Use of CCTV to combat illegal dumping now closer

The use of CCTV looks set to be cleared for use in the war on illegal dumping it emerged at the February meeting of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District – and members are not short of ideas on where the technology could be used.

The subject was raised by Cllr Aoife Davitt, who asked that the district clamp down on “persistent household dumping” in the areas of Butler’s Bridge, Kilpatrick, Ladestown and Belmont.

The Fianna Fáil woman asked that “no dumping” signs be erected and covert cameras be used so the culprits can be identified and fined.

The official written response to Cllr Davitt’s request stated those areas are regularly monitored, and any reports of illegal dumping are investigated and cleaned up.

“The recently enacted Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 provides for the use of CCTV and mobile recording devices in the enforcement of litter and waste legislation,” the reply stated before going on to explain that the use of the technology under the act requires the development of a code of practice by the CCMA.

Cllr Davitt was told: “This code of practice is expected to be in place later this year and this matter can be given appropriate consideration at that stage.”

Cllr Davitt said the best part of €1m is spent annually by the council on clearing up illegal dumping, and that the problem is happening “every second day” in the areas she mentioned.

Cllr Ken Glynn backed Cllr Davitt’s call for action, saying that the money having to be spent dealing with litter and dumping could be ideally used for more meaningful things.

Support came also from Cllr Denis Leonard: “Cameras in Ireland have changed driver behaviour completely. And cameras in Ireland will change dumpers’ behaviour completely,” he said.

Cllr Andrew Duncan remarked that few items come up for more discussion at meetings than dumping and said he has also witnessed the “disgusting” dumping at Butler’s Bridge: “We’re going nowhere with this – unless ye guys at the top have the neck and the wherewithal to bring one of these to court.”

He said there is no point in using cameras if there are no repercussions.

Cllr Emily Wallace said if people knew there was “a real and serious” possibility of being fined, it would help.

Cllr Paddy Hill also felt that prosecutions and naming and shaming were necessary but it wasn’t possible to have cameras everywhere, while the mayor Cllr Hazel Smyth asked if dummy cameras could be a help.

Director of services David Jones told members that CCTV was key to identifying offenders and providing the evidence necessary for bringing a case to prosecution.