Belfast dump still not cleared more than a week on

Clearance at the Edenderry industrial estate site began last week but is not finished

An unauthorised dump in north Belfast has still not been cleared, more than a week after a clean-up was ordered. 

About 20 residents living nearby staged a protest on Wednesday afternoon. 

The clear-up of the site at Edenderry industrial estate was ordered last week after residents claimed "hundreds" of tonnes of waste was stored illegally. 

The clearance of another unauthorised dump, near the Hillview Road/Crumlin Road junction, has been completed after 120 tonnes of waste was removed.

The Hillview Road/Crumlin Road site was cleared by a contractor appointed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The larger dump inside a warehouse at the Edenderry industrial estate is being cleared by a contractor who was hired by the landowner.

Waste was piled high in a warehouse in Edenderry industrial estate before the clean-up began

A DAERA spokesperson told BBC News NI that the landowner "will advise the department of relevant tonnages in due course".

They added that "approximately 10%" of the volume of waste which had been stored at the warehouse remains on site.

DAERA said the landowner "will work to remove remaining waste by 31 July, as stipulated in departmental notice".

• 'Robust investigation' as waste sites are cleared

• Residents protest over suspected illegal dumping

• Residents concerned about suspected illegal dumping

Residents who protested over the two dumps in north Belfast had complained of an increase in flies and rats in their homes and gardens over recent weeks.

Protester Stacey Graham at the Hillview Road/Crumlin Road dump before it was cleared

BBC News NI asked DAERA what steps have been taken to protect the nearby Edenbrooke Primary School, where pupils are due to return soon.

"The department is aware that Belfast City Council, in respect of environmental health, have taken action to address issues in connection with fly-infestation and vermin control," DAERA replied.

DAERA was also asked what action has been taken against the people responsible for the waste.

Its spokesperson said: "The criminal investigation is ongoing and the department will seek to pursue robust enforcement action against those responsible, including criminal prosecution through the courts and if appropriate confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act."