Councillor welcomes use of CCTV by councils to combat illegal dumping

CLLR John Clendennen has welcomed the recent amendment by Minister Ossian Smyth, Minister of State Environment, Climate and Communication, which allows County Councils to use CCTV in the fight against illegal dumping.

On an consistent basis, Cllr Clendennen has commended communities and individuals in the work that they do to prevent illegal dumping in their community however noted that illegal dumping is a real issue that Offaly County Council can address through enforcement.

Cllr Clendennen continued “it is seriously demoralising for Tidy Towns Groups to witness their hard work being undone by illegal dumping and every effort should be made to reprehend this type of behaviour.”

Cllr Clendennen commended Minister Smyth in making the change to the legislation that allowed councils to now use CCTV. “This is a very welcome move and another chink in the armour for councils in their effort to prosecute these individuals,” stated Cllr Clendennen.

Cllr Clendennen noted that despite an average of 700 litter and waste complaints annually to Offaly County Council, there was just one conviction in 2023. “I hope that the use of CCTV in the prosecution will provide for more comprehensive evidence and lead to an increase in the number of people prosecuted and convicted to ensure a reduction in littering and dumping of waste across our countryside,” concluded Cllr Clendennen.