COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

To ask the Manager to update on actions taken to tackle "cars for cash" and such signage where a mobile number is provided; have these numbers been phoned by Council staff and have meetings been arranged with a view to fining the culprits?

REPLY:

The Council enforces the provisions of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended, in regard to illegal signage and fines are issued where possible.

'Cash for Cars' signage has blighted the Greater Dublin Area over the last number of years. The four Dublin Local Authorities engaged in a media campaign in late 2014 advising motorists not to sell their car via 'Cash for Cars' method. These 'Cash for Cars' signs which are in sticker and corrugated board format are removed when located.

Regrettably as yet, despite exploring every avenue available, including contacting phone numbers where available,  the Council has not been in a position to issue fines or initiate prosecutions because of the difficulty in tracking down those responsible for erecting the illegal signage. The Council has been working and will continue to work with An Garda Siochana in attempting to identify those involved in this illegal activity, and on the possibility of disconnecting the phone numbers identified in notices illegally erected.

In June 2015, An Garda Siochana assisted by the Council's Waste Enforcement Section, successfully prosecuted an individual member under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Act, 2001, for offences relating to 'Cash for Cars' and our Waste Enforcement Section continues to liaise and co-operate fully with An Garda Siochana and neighbouring Local Authorities in relation to this matter.

It should be noted that arranging independent meetings with such offenders is not a preferred course of action.