Dummy CCTV cannot be used to stop illegal dumping at bottle banks in Waterford

The council cannot use dummy cameras to stop illegal dumping. 

Nor are they allowed to put up signage saying there is CCTV where there is not.

That is according to Senior Executive Officer, Dawn Wallace in the council’s environment section, who said that in order to satisfy the criteria for CCTV, all other action must be taken first.

Additionally, she said the council cannot put CCTV in place until they develop a policy to underpin its implementation. 

Ms Wallace was responding to Cllr Thomas Phelan, who raised concerns about the “scourge” of dumping at bottle and clothes banks at this month’s sitting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council.

He suggested CCTV be used as a deterrent to those who would leave items outside the bins provided.

“Bottle banks are places that are coming to our attention," said Ms Wallace.

The councillor said that over Christmas, there was an increase in people leaving things, including containers outside the bins.

He asked if the council could install CCTV cameras at their own units to act as a deterrent.

“It happens all throughout the year in fairness, particularly when bottle banks are closed or full. You see it, people just leave the stuff they brought there," said Cllr Phelan.

Ms Wallace suggested Cllr Phelan report areas where it is happening so that the waste enforcement officer can investigate.

Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy asked if dummy cameras could be installed. He also asked for more signage in the area.

“It has gone beyond an issue, illegal dumping. Whether it is the bottle banks being full and people just leaving their cardboard boxes down, and I do understand Waterford County Council are picking up in a timely manner," said Cllr Mulcahy.

Ms Wallace said that is something they are "just not allowed to do".