Environment Section
Objective
The main objective of the Environment Department is to protect and enhance the environment of County Wexford.
To control the collection, recovery, recycling, movement and disposal of waste in the county and to incorporate sustainability into waste management systems.
To monitor, control and reduce pollution that is adversely affecting the natural environment.
Funding
The Environment Department is funded from Refuse and Landfill charges.
Legislation
The main pieces of legislation are:
- Waste Management Act 1996
- Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001
- Litter Pollution Act 1997
- Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 & 1990
- Public Health Act 1878
- Control of Dogs Act 1986
- Control of Dogs (Amendment) Act 1992
- Control of Horses Act 1992
- Beach Bye-Laws 2005
Functions Waste Disposal
Legislation requires a Regional Waste Management Plan setting out strategic objectives for waste policy throughout the South East Region. The Plan is available for perusal in the Environment Department, or, alternatively, a copy can be ordered for members of the public at a cost of €50.
Operation of Landfill Sites
The Council is responsible for the provision of facilities for the disposal of non-hazardous waste in the County. Landfill continues to be the main method of disposal for non-hazardous waste. The Council’s landfill site is located at Holmestown, Barntown, Co Wexford.
Hours of opening:
Monday - Friday 8.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.
Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Telephone: (053) 9120922
In the event of any incident with waste, which causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution, the holder of the waste is required to give prompt notification to the Council and, in the case of hazardous waste, to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Pollution Control
The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) is responsible for the licensing and regulation of large/complex industrial, agricultural and other processes with significant pollution potential. The E.P.A. has its headquarters at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Telephone (053) 9160600.
Local authorities continue to be responsible for the licensing and control of activities not licensable by the Agency.
Water Pollution
Anyone causing pollution through accidental discharge, spillage or deposit, should contact the Council immediately.
Discharges to Waters
A licence is required in respect of the discharge of trade and/or sewage effluent to any waters.
Discharges to Sewers
A licence is required to discharge or cause or permit the discharge of any trade effluent or other matter (other than domestic sewage or storm water) to a sewer.
Litter Pollution Public Roads
The Council has a duty to ensure that public roads are kept free of litter as far as practicable.
Articles and Advertisements on and Defacement of Structures
A local authority may, in the interests of amenity or of the environment, serve a notice on an occupier requiring action to deal with articles or advertisements on a structure or with the defacement of a structure.
Education
Wexford County Council aims to develop and encourage public awareness about litter though various campaigns and the appointment of an Education Officer. The Council has had ongoing continuous anti-litter campaigns for many years:
- Keep Wexford Beautiful Campaign
- Community Involvement & Schools Involvement
- Clean Up Wexford Week
- Seminars for Tidy Towns Groups
- Advertising - press and radio
- Envirowex - environmental magazine
Air Pollution
There is an obligation on the occupier of premises to inform the Council, as soon as possible, of any incident that may cause air pollution.
Licensing of Industrial Plant
A licence is required from the Council for the operation of plant used for certain industrial processes.
Air Quality Monitoring
Wexford County Council has air quality monitoring carried out on an agency basis by the South Eastern Health Board. It is conducted once monthly at the station in St. Aidan’s Shopping Centre, Wexford Town.
Noise Pollution
A local authority can take action to deal with a noise nuisance.
Oil Pollution
The clearance of oil pollution in coastal areas is the responsibility of maritime local authorities. Contingency plans have been prepared.
Other Services Trees and Tree Grants
Wexford County Council sponsors and supports trees by providing the following incentives each year:
- Grants for tree planting – community groups. (Grants are on a 50/50 basis up to a maximum of €255)
- Free trees for schools and community groups
- Afforestation grants
- Tree planting at roadsides, treatment works, etc.
- Information and education programmes
Water Safety
Wexford County Council employs a Water Safety Development Officer.
Lifeguards are employed during the summer months to patrol those beaches that are frequented by bathers. Lifeguards are recruited through the public press and are in the main university students or school-leavers with life-saving qualifications.
Life–saving equipment is provided and maintained at beaches and other places frequented by the public. Warning notices are displayed in areas where danger exists. The Council contributes annually to the National Safety Council.
Coastal Protection
Works to combat serious coast erosion can be undertaken by the Council. The prior approval of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources must be sought for any proposed coastal protection scheme.
It is not possible to protect the entire coastline from erosion. Necessary repairs are carried out by the Council in certain areas. Where the foreshore is involved, a Foreshore Licence must be obtained from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources.
Excavation of sand from the beaches in County Wexford is prohibited by Ministerial Order. The prohibition extends to the whole coastline of the County.
Pound
The Council maintains a pound at Taghmon and employs a caretaker who looks after impounded animals. Telephone (053) 9134099.
Control of Horses
The Council has power to make bye–laws for the control of horses in its area.
Control of Dogs
The Council operates a dog control service with a full-time dog warden, a patrol van and kennels at Ballycarney, Enniscorthy and Knockina, Gorey.
The dog warden is John Colfer who may be contacted at 087 6293043
Further information is available from:
Environment Section,
County Buildings,
Carricklawn, Wexford
To avail of centralised Application Forms click on the button below
Telephone (053) 9196313
Fax. (053) 9196045
For more information on environmental initiatives and programmes you can visit the following government and statutory agency websites at:
