The Northern Ireland Environment Agency's (NIEA) Environmental Crime Unit has confirmed that it is investigating the dumping of hundreds of tyres in the New Mossley estate. The matter was reported to the Unit earlier this month by Newtownabbey Council officials following reports that a contractor was seen off-loading tyres at the bonfire site near the shops on Ballyearl Drive.
According to the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland (DoE), anyone found guilty of illegally dumping tyres could face a maximum fine of £50,000 and/or up to six months in prison.
Back in March, bonfire organisers responded positively to appeals for them to stop collecting material and clean up the car park outside the shops following an approach by local community workers and political representatives. However, hundreds of pallets and tyres have again been dumped in the area, leading to complaints from local residents.
Over the past few months, talks have been taking place between bonfire organisers, the council and other agencies such as the PSNI, the Housing Executive and the Fire and Rescue Service with the aim of establishing a set of rules for bonfire sites across the borough. The proposed "bonfire protocol" would deal with issues such as bonfire safety, the burning of tyres, collection dates and clean-ups. However despite the discussions, all parties were unable to reach an agreement on a new set of guidelines before preparations got under way for this years 11 July celebrations.
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