Calls are growing for an overhaul of illegal dumping enforcement following another major incident in South-East Clare.
It’s after three beds complete with full wooden frames and mattresses were found discarded at three separate entrance roads into Meelick last week.
According to the Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, over half of the €150 on-the-spot fines administered by Clare County Council for the offence are not enforced as collection costs are too high.
Cratloe based Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O’Gorman insists the only way to solve the ongoing problem is for the local authority to get serious about deploying CCTV at litter black spots.
You can listen to the full interview below.
“The Waste Management Act, 1996 as amended by the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2022 identifies the role and functions of Local Authorities in protecting the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts of the generation and management of waste. Under section 14A of the Act of 1996 Local Authorities may operate CCTV Schemes for the purposes of deterring environmental pollution and facilitating the deterrence, prevention, detection, and prosecution of offences under the Act of 1996 subject to certain conditions.
The statutory Code of Practice for the “Operation of CCTV for the Purposes of Prevention, Detection & Prosecution of Waste Offences” that was prepared by the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) aims to cover the required criteria for appropriate use of CCTV systems.
The statutory code sets out guidance on the necessity, proportionality of use, standard operating procedures, data impact assessment requirements and proposed business case submission before CCTV use can be determined.
Due to the complex nature of the guidance document and our responsibilities under GDPR legislation we are currently assessing how to progress the use of CCTV technology and its suitability for the detection of illegal dumping.”
