Installation of CCTV suggested to address litter blackspots in North Kildare
Kildare County Council asserted that visible cameras ‘discourage illegal dumping and littering by making offenders fear detection and penalties’
The installation of CCTV at different areas located within the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD) has been suggested in order to address the issue of litter blackspots.
The topic came up during the latest MD meeting, which was held on Friday, February 6 last, following the submission of a question by Fine Gael Cllr William Durkan to Kildare County Council. He appeared at this meeting by virtual means.
Cllr Durkan's query read as follows: "Can KCC outline the potential benefit of CCTV within the MD to address litter blackspots, given recent pilot projects within the county?"
In response to his query, KCC issued a lengthy statement via the report it presented at the meeting.
KCC told Cllr Durkan: "The use of CCTV for tackling littering and illegal dumping is governed by the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022, which provides a legal framework for local authorities to use surveillance technology in a GDPR-compliant manner.
"CCTV benefits for addressing littering include deterring offenders (especially fly-tipping), providing clear evidence for prosecutions, enabling remote monitoring in vulnerable areas, leading to cleaner public spaces and fostering greater accountability for environmental pollution."
KCC continued: "Visible cameras discourage illegal dumping and littering by making offenders fear detection and penalties; CCTV captures crucial footage of the illegal act, vital for successful prosecutions under the Waste Management Act and other regulations.
"CCTV is considered as part of a broader, integrated approach to litter management, alongside existing enforcement, awareness and infrastructural measures.
"Experience from the recent pilot initiative (in Athy) indicates that the targeted use of CCTV at identified blackspots can act as a deterrent and support enforcement activity where other measures have proven ineffective."
KCC concluded its report by asserting: "Any future deployment of CCTV within the MD would be subject to the completion of the required statutory processes and would be considered on a site-specific basis, having regard to proportionality, effectiveness and cost."
Speaking further on the matter, Cllr Durkan suggested to his fellow councillors: "There might be an opportunity here for us as members to identify a suitable site for this pilot project."
Fine Gael Cllr William Durkan. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie
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