Illegal car breakers yard found in Gortahork

An illegal car breakers yard was uncovered in Gortahork by Donegal County Council.

The local authority brought a successful prosecution against Joe Woods this week.

Mr Woods appeared at Falcarragh District Court under the Waste Management Act. He was charged with ten counts of waste abandonment.

The charge relates to the unauthorised development at Keeldrum, Gortahork on March 12, 2021.

Waste Enforcement Officers from Donegal County Council visited the site and found a vehicle on its side held up by a bucket and digger.

As well as other 'roll on, roll off' machinery, there were a number of other car shells on the site.

The enforcement officers asked for Joe Woods, but were told by his mother and father that he was not present.

The officers took a number of pictures at the scene and left.

Solicitor for Donegal County Council, Mr Kevin McElhinney told the court that Mr Woods had worked with the council on the issue and had undertaken works at his site since the visit of the enforcement officers.

Mr McElhinney said that the Council were now satisfied that the site had been brought into compliance with legislation.

In response, solicitor for the accused Mr Frank Dorrian, said this was an ‘improvised operation’ but one that grew to a certain level without any knowledge or regard for legislation, referring to it as ‘a cottage industry’.

However, he added that as soon as Mr Woods, who has no previous convictions, was approached he responded appropriately. Mr Dorrian said his client is now in the process of applying for a Waste Management License.

"They were a little naive in their approach but that has stopped and they will do it in a methodical way," added Mr Dorrian.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said it appeared that the issue is ‘somewhat resolved and work has been conducted’.

Mr McElhinney said there are high costs in the case, €3,569, which were due in part to the number of visits from enforcement officers.

Judge Cunningham noted the accused was now complying. She ordered Mr Woods to pay the costs and also fined him a total of €350 and allowed him six months to pay.