The equivalent of 350,000 car tyres (3,250t) have been disposed of at the three bring centres that were operating over the last number of weeks, in Athenry, Co Galway, New Ross, Co Wexford, and Cootehill in Co Cavan.

Some 1,764 farmers have disposed of tyres to date, with one final bring centre accepting tyres on Saturday at Gortdrum Mines, Monard, Co Tipperary.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Liam Maloney of the Irish Farm Films Producers Group (IFFPG), said the three bring centres held to date have been extremely busy and with one bring centre left, he expects thousands or more tyres to be disposed of.

“We expect to collect nearly 500,000 in total from the four bring centres. It has shown the massive demand that there is for the bring centres,” he said.

Nationwide rollout

At last weekend’s collection in Athenry, one farmer travelled from as far as Kerry to dispose of tyres and the IFA has called for bring centres to be rolled out nationwide.

Thomas Cooney, IFA environment chair, said the association has sought a meeting with Minister for State at the Department of Environment Seán Canney, who attended the Athenry collection.

“We look forward to working with him and his officials to build on the good work so far and ensure we all play our part in keeping the countryside clean,” Cooney said.