Pure CCTV leads to convictions
SURVEILLANCE carried out by the Pure Project led to a number of court convictions this year, according to the group.
Pure (Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments) is an environmental project established to combat the increase of illegal dumping/fly-tipping in the Wicklow and Dublin uplands.
Currently Pure has a number of surveillance cameras located in beauty spots and areas where there is persistent dumping.
Pure Project Manager Ian Davis said a lot of successful convictions have already appeared before the courts, with other cases also due to come before the courts.
‘We are monitoring areas where larger scale dumping takes place with CCTV cameras. This has already led to a number of court cases. One conviction over dumping in Kilcarragh led to a €2,600 fine being imposed on one offender. Large scale dumping has also been taking place near the Kilbride Army Camp and we are monitoring the area with CCTV. People are contacting us constantly about dumping and we use areas to carry out covert operations involving rotating cameras and monitoring. There are more cases due before the courts which we hope will lead to fines,’ said Mr Davis.
Mr Davis said there are more than nine locations with cameras at the moment.
‘Large scale dumping is unfortunately still taking place, including along areas in the
Sally Gap. However, while other areas are noticing an increase in dumping, we are actually
noting a decrease, which I think has everything to do with the Pure Project,’ said Mr Davis.