New laws to combat illegal waste

The measures are due to come into force in June

New laws to clamp down on illegal waste dumping have been announced by Environment Minister Arlene Foster.

Officers will have extended powers, which will allow them to search premises and to stop vehicles without being accompanied by police.

There will also be increased fines and prison sentences for those who break the law.

The minister said illegal dumping would not be tolerated. The new measures are due to come into force on 25 June.

"Illegal waste dumping is a major problem in Northern Ireland. Unauthorised operators, including organised criminal gangs, can generate profits of around £100 per tonne of illegal waste.

"This leads to a loss of some £24m in taxes each year. In addition, clean-up costs are around £1m per site," she said.

Meanwhile, the First and Deputy First Minister, Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, are appearing together before an Assembly scrutiny committee.