Dublin Deploys Cameras to Curb Illegal Dumping

New Tech Aims to Clean Up City’s Dirtiest Areas

CCTV cameras, long-awaited by Dublin City Council, are now operational on three streets in the north inner city. The cameras are a renewed effort to tackle illegal dumping in an area frequently cited as the nation’s worst for litter.

Cameras Finally Active After Delays

The new surveillance system was originally slated for installation last January. However, technical issues arose when it was discovered the cameras could not be affixed to existing lampposts. This was due to concerns that damage to the camera cabling might disrupt traffic light systems, a risk the council’s lighting section deemed unacceptable.

To circumvent this, new poles have been erected on Belvedere Place, Sherrard Street Lower, and Summer Street North. These are now equipped with solar-powered cameras, which have recently been activated. Warning signs indicating their purpose—for the “prevention, deterring, detection and prosecution” of illegal dumping—have been installed on each pole.

Tougher Penalties for Offenders

Individuals caught illegally dumping face penalties ranging from a €150 fine to a more substantial €4,000 if convicted in the District Court. These measures are part of a broader strategy to improve waste management and deter fly-tipping.

Past Successes and Privacy Concerns

Dublin City Council previously utilized CCTV a decade ago to combat illegal dumping, achieving notable success in reducing litter. In 2014, the council began installing cameras in litter hotspots, primarily in the north inner city, even displaying posters of blurred images of alleged dumpers. This initiative drew attention from the Data Protection Commission, which questioned the scheme’s proportionality and individuals’ privacy rights.

An investigation in 2018 by the commission concluded that existing waste management laws did not permit the use of CCTV for identifying dumpers. However, the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 amended the Litter Pollution Acts, now legally enabling CCTV surveillance for this purpose. The council has spent two years collaborating with various state agencies to establish this new framework.

Ireland's 'dirtiest' area is set to get CCTV cameras to tackle illegal dumping. #Dublin #illegaldumping #environment pic.twitter.com/c2EfxQO0sX

— ireland.com (@Irelanddotcom) March 7, 2022

Data protection impact assessments have been approved for the three pilot streets. Following this initial phase, the council intends to expand the CCTV surveillance to bottle and textile banks, areas known for high levels of illegal dumping, before considering deployment in some suburban locations.

Early observations on Wednesday morning found the three streets largely clear of obvious dumped waste. Minor litter was noted on Sherrard Street Lower, situated between newly installed planters and the footpath. The effectiveness of the new CCTV system in deterring and prosecuting illegal dumpers will be closely monitored by the council and environmental groups.