Illegal dumping in forests owned by Coillte - much of which is free to recycle - has cost the company €2 million over the last five years.

Washing machines, fridge freezers, household waste, tyres, beds and sofas are the most common illegally dumped items, the company has said.

“The vast majority of visitors are respectful and bring all their litter home, which Coillte and staff on the ground appreciate enormously."

However, there is a minority who use these public forests and other scenic areas as their own dumping ground.

Coillte has spent almost €2 million to remove illegally dumped waste from its forests over the past five years.

This material is often discarded at forest entrances or along the forest boundaries, which makes it unsightly and unsanitary for visitors.

Illegal dumping causes serious environmental problems including damage to habitats and biodiversity and polluting soils, rivers and drinking waters.

Coillte says it takes the issue of illegal dumping extremely seriously and works closely with Gardaí and local authorities to ensure offenders are prosecuted.

In known blackspot areas, Coillte has increased its surveillance by deploying remote cameras to monitor illegal dumping activity and to help seek prosecutions.

Coillte is encouraging the public to report all instances of illegal dumping to the relevant local authorities immediately, or contact Coillte directly via its confidential forest security hotline on 1890 800 455.

Coillte also operates a 'Love this place, Leave no trace' litter policy.

"But we ask all visitors to the forests to bring home any litter with them - just like you were never there. That way, the forests remain beautiful for everyone,“ said Mick.

The most common illegally dumped items in the nation’s forests over the past year include: