Drones to record fly-tippers in new ‘smart’ crackdown
COVERT surveillance including the use of drones is to form part of a new crackdown on illegal dumping of waste across the country, the Irish Independent can reveal.
A campaign of ‘smart enforcement’ is to be launched next month with plans also in place for the use of satellite imaging and more CCTV at locations prone to fly-tipping.
Around €2m has also been allocated by Environment Minister Denis Naughten for the recruitment of extra enforcement officers at the Environmental Protection Agency.
The problem of fly-tipping has grown steadily in recent years with Dublin City Council alone spending in the region of €650,000 a year cleaning up 2,600 tonnes of illegal waste. The average number of complaints in the capital city is 8,000 a year.
However, it is hoped the use of drones to capture video evidence of illegal dumping of waste in cities and remote locations will deter offenders.
In particular the Department of Environment believes ‘smart enforcement interventions’ will prove to be a key tool in the fight against fly-tipping.
The Australian province of Victoria recently began a similar initiative.
“My message is clear – if you dump waste illegally and blight our countryside and roads with filth you will be caught and prosecuted,” Mr Naughten said.
“The use of smart technology will be able to identify those who engage in this deplorable practice,” he told the Irish Independent.
“I am confident the new initiative that I am introducing will prove effective in both deterring and catching illegal dumpers and I am encouraging community groups across the country to come together to apply and benefit from it,” he said.
Funding for extra enforcement officers will be available to community groups and state agencies who will work in partnership to clean up and prevent illegal waste dumping.
Applications from Rapid (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development) and Clár areas of the country will be prioritised as well as those identified in Irish Business Against Litter reports. The Rapid programme is being delivered in 51 disadvantaged areas across the country while the Government’s Clár programme focuses on disadvantaged rural areas.