A South East Clare Councillor claims CCTV has been used as a weapon against councils in their effort to tackle illegal dumping.
It comes as local authorities may soon be able to use drones to monitor litter black spots, with new legislation to be drafted to tackle the issue of illegal dumping.
The Cabinet this week approved the general scheme of the Circular Economy Bill, which includes plans to allow local authorities to use technology to monitor illegal dumping blackspots.
Up until now, Councils couldn’t use surveillance footage in prosecutions because of data protection issues, with concern expressed in some quarters that it could pose significant dangers to people’s privacy.
But the Environment Minister has said the new rules will provide for GDPR-compliant use of a range of fixed and mobile recording devices, such as CCTV, drones, dashcam and bodycam footage.
It’s hoped this would deter people from dumping their waste in forrests, bogs, mountains and other beauty spots.
Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O’Gorman feels up until now GDPR was used as a weapon against councils, and anything that will disicentivise people from entering an area and dumping shouldbe brought in.
Shannon’s Sinn Féin Councillor says CCTV footage alone won’t solve the problem, saying there will have to be ongoing monitoring.
Donna McGettigan is also putting forward a motion calling on Clare County Council to provide bins for hazardous material, that have become a problem since the pandemic in particular.
