For many years Spring Grove forest, which is on the border with Monaghan, has been a the target of illegal dumping. The problem appears to be getting worse in recent times, with large loads of rubbish being dumped in the area. Items found in the hazardous piles suggest the rubbish is coming across the border from the South. 

Cllr John McCluskey, who is from Roslea, said he had been in touch with both the Forestry Service and the Department of the Environment who had sent out representatives to see the scene for themselves. 

“There is a grave danger of toxic materials and a rodent infestation. This is a disgraceful attack on the local community and needs to be removed immediately,” said Cllr McCluskey. 

“I am calling for urgent discussions between the local people and all the relevant departments. A new approach is needed on the issue of illegal dumping.”

In the past, former Roslea councillor Brian McCaffrey had lobbied for the introduction of CCTV cameras in the area in a bid to tackle the problem. Cllr McCluskey said the current law over CCTV cameras, which must be sign-posted to protect public privacy, meant the cameras made little difference. 

“The fact that, in this instance, crime detection is hampered by the law that surveillance cameras must have signs saying that they are there, is laughable. This must change,” he said. “Hidden surveillance cameras have been used to gather information by the police and intelligence agencies for years and there were no warning signs.”

Cllr McCluskey said he would be raising the issue in Council in the near future and added: “Blaming the closed Stormont as an excuse for not implementing changes and changing the law on this is not acceptable.

“I am calling on local people to be vigilant on the growing problem of illegal dumping. If they see anything please notify environmental services, the Council and/or myself.”