A submission calling for urgent action to tackle the issue of reckless littering in rural areas has been made by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

In its statement, the farm group pointed to the increased dumping of packaging waste generated from online purchases, builders’ rubble and household waste as examples of a growing problem of serial dumping in the countryside.

IFA Environment Committee chairman Paul O’Brien has called for five key actions to address this growing issue in rural areas.

Meanwhile, the IFA announced that it is seeking a meeting with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in the coming weeks to make progress on these proposals.

The organisation is also seeking the completion of the used waste tyre collection service introduced previously by the department.

Finally, a cost-effective recycling service for waste streams generated on farms, such as feed and fertiliser bags, is being sought.