LOUTH County Council is able to avail of new high tech measures to tackle illegal dumping and fly tipping after Minister Ossian Smyth signed the regulations that will allow them.
CCTV, drones and other technologies can now be used by local authorities around the country to prevent indiscriminate dumping.
“It’s great news and is a very welcome development. People have been pushing for these new regulations for a long time,” said Sinn Fein Cllr Antoin Watters.
“Illegal dumping and commercial waste have been a huge issue in the North Louth area. Now technology such as drones can be used to help fight this problem.
“People who dump illegally can now be fully prosecuted because there will be evidence to support the council’s case.”
Illegal dumping and fly tipping occurs frequently in Co Louth with over 1,000 investigations in the county up to the end of November last.
The local authority revealed that 1,090 investigations took place up to the end of November 2023.
Louth County Council’s litter wardens completed 88 investigations during the month of November.
Out of these 88 investigations, evidence was found in 11 cases and fixed penalty notices were issued accordingly under the Litter Pollution Act 1997.
Cllr Watters added: “These new regulations will give the council a great helping hand. It’s what we have been crying out for. I really welcome it.
“The next step now is to discuss this at the upcoming council meeting and decide on a plan and funding. The sooner we start working on this, the better.”
Fianna Fáil senator Erin McGreehan echoed Cllr. Watter’s sentiments stating that the new regulations are a crucial step forward in combating environmental degradation.
The Louth Senator said, “Previously, concerns over privacy often led to the dismissal of such valuable video evidence, allowing perpetrators to evade accountability. However, these new regulations introduced by Government means the significance of such evidence will be rightfully recognised and will empower County Councils to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
“Illegal dumping poses a significant threat to the environment, public health, and community well-being. I am of the view that the use of CCTV for prosecuting illegal dumping will act as a deterrent and send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
“Through effective enforcement and deterrence, these regulations not only address immediate environmental concerns but will also foster a culture of accountability and respect for communal spaces which will help to better protect our natural resources,” concluded Senator McGreehan.
The Circular Economy Act 2022 made provision for the technology to be used in a way that complies with data protection regulations but a delay by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in developing local codes meant that it is only now, that the measures can be enforced.
The new regulations mean that additional resources will be needed for local authorities to use the technology and train council staff.
Nationally, Ireland spends up to €100 million each year on illegal dumping.
