Investigations into an illegal dump in Darndale in Dublin are underway by the city council, with the help of local Gardaí.
The Environment Minister also says patrols and regular clean-ups are continuing but residents claim the huge mound has been allowed to continue to grow for 15 years.
Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin described the dump between the Moatview and Belcamp housing estates as 'disgusting' in the Dáil last night.
"There are huge mounds of commercial waster, there are huge amounts of earth.
"Again I visited it today at there are rats - clearly visible - running around this illegal commercial dump and it's in very close proximity to peoples' homes.
"It is a disgusting, unhealthy, illegal mound of commercial waste," Deputy Ó Ríordáin said.
Junior Environment Minister Hildegarde Naughton, responding on behalf of Minister Eamon Ryan, says the city council is actively engaged with Gardaí to eliminate illegal dumping in the area;
"The operation to date at this site has resulted in the impounding of vehicles, used for alleged unauthorised waste activities and the initiation of procescutions.
However Aodhán Ó Ó Ríordáin says residents need action now.
"They are are going to need to see moves by Dublin city council to begin to move this material.
"They are also going to need to see physical boundaries put around the compound," he said.
The Minister says the ultimate objective is to clean up and secure the site as part of an overall solution that will include the future development of the land.
