A Ballina man was convicted and fined for littering at his Ballina home.
Ballina District Court heard on Tuesday that Liam Rabbitte, environmental officer with Mayo County Council, received complaints about the storage of waste at the home of Declan Hopkins, 58 Greenhills Estate, Ballina. Between September and December 2010 Mr Rabbitte called to Hopkins’ house. A large amount of waste was stored at the side of the house — pictures of which were handed into court. Judge Mary Devins said that the pictures of littering were “truly horrendous”.
The defendant told the environmental officer that he disposed of the waste, however there were more complaints after Christmas that waste had been burned.
A fine was issued to Hopkins but was not paid.
Hopkins has previous littering convictions.
The environmental enforcement officer told Judge Devins that he had visited the home before court and that the rubbish is still piled high.
Hopkins was not in court nor represented.
Judge Devins convicted and fined Hopkins €1,000 and directed that €750 be paid towards costs.
