COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor D. Richardson

"Can the Manager report on plans for CCTV for dumping black spots?"

REPLY:

Following the enactment of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022, which gave effect to the legal use of CCTV and Mobile Recording Devices in the Local Government Sector for preventing, detecting, investigating, or prosecuting offences under the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Litter Pollution Act 1997, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in conjunction with Local Authorities developed a Code of Practice for CCTV and Mobile Recording Devices as required under the Act.  The Code of Practice provides guidance on the appropriate and effective use of CCTV and mobile recording devices in waste and litter enforcement.

The Codes of Practice (COP) specify the necessary steps to be taken in implementing a CCTV system deployment. In accordance with the codes of practice, no CCTV scheme shall be installed unless there is evidence that less intrusive measures to deter, prevent, detect, and prosecute offences have already been deployed without success. Less intrusive measures have been noted as increased lighting, signage, inspections, and public awareness campaigns.

SDCC is currently monitoring an array of potential sites, including sites in the Tallaght LEA, that will meet the COP criteria and have developed Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) in line with the provisions of the COP and in consultation with the Data Protection Officer. The DPIA's are currently being worked through with the Data Protection Officer. As identified sites meet the COP criteria, business cases will be submitted to the Council's recently established CCTV Oversight Board and subsequently to the Chief Executive for approval.

The council continues to examine all options available to it to improve the aesthetic appearance of the county and continues to work with the elected members to deliver the Litter Management Plan Annual Action Plans. As always, the public is encouraged to work with the Council in helping to identify culprits who engage in illegal dumping and to report any incidents observed.

Reports of littering and illegal dumping can be made on the Council’s Litter Warden hotline on 01 4149220 and on the Environmental Protection Agency’s anti-dumping hotline on 1850 365 121.