Trial of father and daughter on illegal dumping charges likely to last three weeks

The trial of a Donegal father and daughter accused of more than 50 charges relating to illegal dumping is expected to take up to three weeks.

The case against businessman Jim Ferry and his daughter Louise was called before Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The court was told that the case could take three weeks and may be scheduled into a special sitting of the court which is scheduled for January. The court was also informed that a jury will be required.

Judge John Aylmer said there is already another case scheduled into the special sitting. The court heard that that case could take between three and six weeks and is due to begin on January 24, 2024.

The case against Jim and Louise Ferry could now be scheduled as a back up case and if the other matter does not go ahead or finishes ahead of schedule.

The Ferry case will be listed for the December sitting of Donegal Circuit Court in order for counsel to discuss disclosure.

Jim Ferry (63) and his daughter Louise (32), both of Slieve Sneacht Road, Letterkenny are charged in relation to the alleged dumping by their company, Ferry’s Refuse Recycling Ltd, on lands owned by Mr Ferry at Rossbracken, Letterkenny.

Books of evidence have already been served on the accused.

Jim Ferry faces 41 charges of illegal dumping under the Waste Management Act at Rossbracken, Letterkenny.

Charges allege that he held, disposed of, or treated waste in a manner that caused or was likely to cause environmental pollution.

Included among the charges are that he failed to comply with a notice issued by Donegal County Council in 2017 which was issued to stop him holding or disposing of waste on the site.

Mr Ferry is charged as being a director of Ferry’s Refuse Recycling Limited and also as the registered owner of the lands at Rossbracken.

Mr Ferry’s daughter, Louise Ferry, faces ten charges, relating to offences under the Waste Management Act, covering a period between 2014 and 2017.

Ms Ferry is charged that on different dates, and as a director of the company, she was responsible for waste being disposed of on lands at Rossbracken that was likely to cause pollution.