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'Major issue' over security at one of Europe's largest illegal dumps

BBC Declan Norris has short brown hair. He is wearing a checked shirt and a green-and-orange hooded rain jacket. The background has been blurred.BBC
Councillor Declan Norris says padlocks were still being tampered with and people continue to gain access to the site

Councillors have called for urgent action to secure the site of what has been described as one of the largest illegal dumps in Europe.

The contaminated Mobuoy dump at Campsie in County Londonderry was discovered in 2013 and was used to bury thousands of tonnes of rubbish at a site of more than 100 acres of land.

Two men were jailed last year for what a judge described as "environmental crime on an industrial scale".

Concerns have been raised about security at the site, with reports of people breaking in, fly-tipping and engaging in anti-social behaviour.

The site of an illegal dump sits surrounded by green fields and countryside. a number of dilapidated buildings are on the left, while minor roads run across the width of the site
The contaminated Mobuoy dump is thought to cover more than 100 acres of land

Derry City and Strabane District Council has passed a motion calling for steps to be taken to prevent unauthorised access, including perimeter fencing and security cameras.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme on Thursday, councillor Declan Norris said he was particularly concerned about fly-tipping - the illegal dumping of household or commercial waste - at the site.

Norris said padlocks were still being tampered with and people continue to gain access to the site.

"There needs to be far better security at the site," he said.

"This has been going on for far too long."

Anti-social activity should be reported

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said it does not own or control the site but is working with the police and other agencies on the issue.

A spokesperson said anti-social activity should be reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The agency warned members of the public should not enter the area, including the former City Industrial Waste and Campsie Sand and Gravel sites, for their own safety and to protect the environment.

NI Water said it monitors the quality of water at nearby River Faughan and has "procedures in place" to immediately stop taking water from the river if required.

'Decisive action'

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Alderman Janice Montgomery said the Mobuoy site "represents the most serious environmental and public safety issue that we face".

She said "decisive action" was needed to tackle anti-social behaviour on the site.

Shows a man in black jumper and black jacket with the Guildhall in Derry in the background
People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin says the Mobuoy site must be properly secured

DUP Alderman Julie Middleton described Mobuoy as a "major, major issue".

"While there has been no major water incident as yet, who is to know when that could happen, so we need to see robust action and urgently."

People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin described the Mobuoy dump site as "one of the biggest scandals" that exists on the island of Ireland and Europe.

He said he was "absolutely astonished that the site is still not secure".