COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 10, 2008

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor T. McDermott

To ask the Manager to review the Council's inflexible policy in enforcing non-negotiable litter fines imposed on evidence gathered from video cameras at "bring centres" until:

1. Adequate signage is in place informing people of a zero tolerance policy.

2. A broad-based communications programme to inform the public is completed.

The current policy is counter-productive and discouraging citizens from recycling.

REPLY:

The context of installing CCTV at recycling bring banks that is to be monitored with a view prosecuting litter offenders is that recycling bring banks provide a valuable opportunity to householders to recycle materials that cannot be accommodated in household green bins.  These bring banks are usually sited at locations near shops, businesses, parks etc. to encourage maximum use but this means that both commercial interests and the general public will not tolerate unsightly areas with litter and other materials deposited around these facilities.  Consequently, it is imperative that, where evidence of offences is available, the Council rigorously enforce the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 at such sites to act as a deterrent and to prevent the accumulation of litter as a reason for arguing for the removal of the facilities.  If individuals deposit even a single bag or cardboard box at these sites, this usually subsequently causes additional items to be deposited and the problem is exacerbated, resulting in clean-up costs being incurred by the Council.

The issuing of litter fines is one element in addressing the problem of littering at recycling bring banks but the Council also has a dedicated Environmental Awareness section which works to heighten public knowledge of this issue.  Part of this programme includes anti-littering campaigns, the Name and Shame Programme to heighten awareness of consequences and signage at bring bank locations.  In order for the Council to reaeach its targets in providing bring banks for the public it is imperative that they are kept litter free.  Assurances are given that there will be strong enforcement in negotiating new locations.

Any appeals made against litter fines are considered by officials not previously involved in the issuing of the fine and will take into account all relevant factors raised, including the review of CCTV evidence, in considering whether to uphold the fine.