Write a commentThe ongoing dumping of waste in an area on Station Road, Jonesborough is causing huge anger and concern to local residents according to Councillor, Mickey Larkin.
The Slieve Gullion Councillor has urged prompt and effective action from all the Agencies involved in order to end the situation.
"Over the past few years many residents living in the Station Road locality have had issues with large vehicles dumping waste in fields in the area. The Council, NI Environment Agency (NIEA), the Rivers Agency and the PSNI are all aware of the issues involved. Two years ago following representations from residents supported by ourselves the NIEA acted to end the dumping.
However the situation over the past two months has escalated with local residents facing constant flows of lorries and tractors on a daily basis. There is a terrible stench in the air around the area and residents are also facing swarms of flies. Throughout the recent hot weather householders have been unable to open a window in their homes because of these issues."
Cllr Larkin continued "Today representatives from the Environment Agency (NIEA) visited the site and viewed the ongoing situation. Soil samples were taken and I expect a prompt follow up report on the analysis of the sample and all issues involved".
Newry and Armagh MLA Megan Fearon has also spoke out about the issue "This is a totally unacceptable and intolerable situation. Local residents are at breaking point as rather than see their complaints and fears allayed they have watched them grow. The local community need to feel that all Agencies including, the NIEA, Newry Mourne & Down Council and the PSNI are taking their concerns seriously and working to address them. I will be liaising with all involved to ensure that this unsatisfactory situation will hopefully be brought to an end".
