Outcome of prosecution arising from EPA investigation sends a clear message that those engaged in environmental crime will be held to account

Date released: June 09, 2023

• Prosecution and conviction is culmination of two-decade investigation involving the EPA and An Gardai Siochana

The former Director of Neiphin Trading Limited, operators of a waste facility in Kerdiffstown, Co Kildare, was today sentenced to three years in prison on each of three charges for serious environmental offences. The sentences will run concurrently with the final 12 months suspended. The offences, the subject of the convictions, included breaches of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Waste Licence by the holding or recovering of waste at the waste facility in a manner likely to cause environmental pollution. 

Commenting on the outcome of the trial, the Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement, Dr Tom Ryan, said:

“Waste crime can cause harm to the environment and public health and have significant consequences for the taxpayer. This conviction is a vindication of the resilient efforts of the State authorities working together for the public good over almost two decades. It sends a powerful warning to companies and their directors – those engaging in criminal activity which puts the environment and public health at risk will be held to account.”

The EPA wishes to thank all of the many people that have been involved in this case and associated investigation over almost two decades.

Dean Kelly (Senior Counsel) and Fionnuala O Sullivan (Barrister at Law) acted for the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) instructed by Elizabeth Staunton, State Solicitor.

Further information: Emily Williamson, EPA Media Relations Office:053-91 70770 (24 hours) and media@epa.ie

Notes to editor

On 14th of November 2022 at The Criminal Courts of Justice, the former director of Neiphin Trading Limited who operated a waste facility in Kerdiffstown Co Kildare, was found guilty of the following three offences:  

• That between the 1st October, 2003 and the 26th September, 2006, he disposed of or undertook the recovery of waste at the facility, in breach of EPA Waste Licence, (W0047-01), by accumulating a mound of waste in the northwest area of that facility.
• That between the 27th September, 2006 and the 25th November, 2008, he disposed of or undertook the recovery of waste at the facility, in breach of EPA Waste Licence, (W0047-02), by accumulating a mound of waste in the northwest area of that facility.
• That between the 1st October 2003 and the 25th November 2008, he held, transported, recovered or disposed of waste in a manner that caused or was likely to cause environmental pollution at the waste facility.