CCTV Will Be Used To Protect Against Illegal Dumping

Thursday, 31 March 2022 10:29

By Caoimhe Harney

Labour Senator Mark Wall has welcomed the Bill

CCTV footage will soon be used by local authorities to deter illegal dumping under new a new bill approved by Cabinet on Wednesday.

The new bill will ensure that the processing of personal data may be carried out by local authorities tasked with enforcing waste and litter law.

The government bill will also look at measures to further promote recycling by introducing a 20cent levy on coffee cups and some plastics.

Labour Senator Mark Wall supports the publication of the Circular Economy Bill, and has long campaigned for the use of CCTV to deter fly- tipping.

Senator Wall commented: “People need to act responsibly when it comes to litter, but our communities must also be better equipped so that people can actually enjoy the great outdoors.

“Local authorities in Kildare, Meath and South Dublin alone are spending an average of €3 million a year on clean ups," he added.

"If this is replicated throughout our 31 local authorities, then we are wasting on average €90 million per year on clean ups.

"Imagine how many playgrounds and community facilities like public toilets this money could provide around the country.

“The delayed action on the Labour Bill highlights the lack of vision this government has for our public spaces - this has been highlighted by the pandemic.

"We need more resources and facilities at a local level.

"If we are going to reimagine our towns and villages we need to ensure that the social contract is at the heart of this and that town and county plans reflect what communities need.

"This includes things like playing fields, pitches and parks.

"We need to ensure that communities have public hubs where people can bring their dog for a walk or practice their soccer skills,” he added.