Dumped Asbestos Threatens Lives in County Roscommon

22 Dec 2025

A recent clean-up in Roscommon uncovered illegally dumped asbestos waste, including broken fibre-cement slates and damaged insulation materials left exposed at the side of a rural road. Rather than being handled by authorised crews or disposed of correctly, it was simply fly-tipped, leaving anyone passing through at risk.

This kind of incident shows how asbestos danger doesn’t always come from old buildings. Sometimes it appears where people least expect it, and when the material is already damaged, the risk of fibre release increases sharply, which is why it’s important to be able to identify it when you see it. 

What Does Asbestos Actually Look Like?

One of the problems with illegally dumped waste is that it’s often all mixed up together, which can make it very difficult to see whether any asbestos is present. Even when it’s showing, it doesn’t always stand out, either. So, what should you keep your eye out for?

The most common forms found in tipping incidents include:

• Corrugated cement sheets from old sheds, barns or garages

• Flat cement boards used for eaves, soffits or wall panels

• Insulation boards that look like dense, grey plasterboard

• Old floor tiles or tile adhesive with a mottled grey finish

Most asbestos materials were made to be practical, not distinctive, so when they’ve been cut, snapped or weathered, they tend to blend in with general waste. That’s why identifying it by eye is unreliable unless you’ve seen it before.

The bottom line here is that if something looks like old roofing, cladding or insulation and has that dull grey cement-like finish, it’s safe to presume that it does contain asbestos, which tells you everything you need to know about what to do.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Asbestos Has Been Fly-tipped?

So, you’re pretty sure that what you’ve found has a good chance of containing some kind of asbestos. Your first priority is to avoid disturbing anything. On no account start lifting parts of the waste up to get a better look. 

Here’s what the experts say:

• Don’t ever touch or move the waste. Broken edges release fibres most easily.

• Don’t inspect it closely. Even stepping on brittle material can release dust.

• Take note of where the waste is (from a distance), as this helps professionals respond quickly.

• Report it to the landowner or local authority. Dumped waste often crosses property lines.

If it’s on your land, call qualified professionals. Certified asbestos surveyors can confirm the material’s type and condition before any asbestos abatement or asbestos removal takes place. It’s a simple set of steps that will keep things safe until the pros arrive.

Dealing With Flytipped ACMs Safely

Whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are dumped on farmland, beside a roadway or in a yard, caution is needed because nobody knows what condition they’re in. That’s why your main task is to leave the area well alone and make the appropriate professionals aware of the situation. 

At OHSS, we’ve been helping organisations across Ireland with expert advice on how to deal with asbestos safely for more than two decades. If you’ve found suspicious debris or need guidance on what to do next, call OHSS on 01 690 5907 and we’ll steer you in the right direction.

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