Wexford Businessman Says He Was Threatened After Reporting Illegal Dumping

A Wexford businessman says he was threatened after reporting an alleged illegal dumping incident at one of his charity thrift stores.

Bart Murphy, who operates Bart's non-profit thrift stores, says someone left a large quantity of rubbish outside one of his premises, forcing staff to deal with waste that could not be sold or reused.

Speaking on Morning Mix, Bart said he reported the incident in an effort to protect the business, but claims he was subsequently threatened.

The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing problem of illegal dumping at charity shops, where people leave broken, damaged or unsellable items outside stores, often outside opening hours.

Bart has previously spoken about the financial and operational impact this has on his organisation. While many donations are welcomed, he says disposing of dumped rubbish comes at a significant cost to a business whose profits help support people undergoing cancer treatment.

He is urging people to donate responsibly and to remember that charity shops cannot accept every item left outside their doors.

Bart says while genuine donations make a real difference, illegal dumping places an unnecessary burden on staff and volunteers and takes money away from the people the organisation is trying to help.

The incident also comes as illegal dumping remains a significant issue across County Wexford, with local authorities continuing to deal with fly-tipping and urging the public to dispose of waste responsibly.