Between April 15 and May 17 this year, over 900 bags of rubbish were illegally dumped in the area
The first scheme will focus on Belvedere Place, Sherrard Street Lower, and Summer Street North, in the north inner city.
The CCTV scheme has long been disputed under GDPR regulations. However, following amendments to the Litter Pollution Acts 1997, local authorities can now use CCTV to “deter, prevent, detect and prosecute cases of illegal dumping”.
Under this legislative amendment, cameras can only be deployed by local authorities at locations “where there is a history of illegal dumping” and where other initiatives to prevent it have failed.
Before the introduction of CCTV, a site must meet certain criteria and go through a rigorous procedure to ensure the deployment of cameras is “necessary, targeted and proportionate”.
Dublin City Council is carrying out a public consultation relating only to Belvedere Place, Sherrard Street Lower, and Summer Street North, which are part of the first phase.
Over the past few years, DCC says it has tried “various initiatives” to prevent illegal dumping on these particular streets, including street enhancement schemes, signage and Litter Warden inspections and patrols.
Phase one of the CCTV scheme will focus on three streets in the north inner city. Pic: Stock Image
Unfortunately, these initiatives had “no discernible effect”.
The council said any further CCTV schemes will also include a consultation.
They have highlighted that a “large volume of complaints” regarding illegal dumping in the north inner city led to the formation of a task force to address the issue.
These complaints have come from residents, businesses, schools, and local representatives.
Between April 15 and May 17 this year, a survey found that 929 bags of rubbish were illegally dumped in these particular areas.
Now, through this CCTV scheme, Dublin City Council hopes to “enhance enforcement and allow us to prosecute more cases” under the Litter Pollution Acts.
DCC said it hopes to reduce clean-up costs, and also enhance community wellbeing by providing clean and pleasant streets for the people who live and work in the area.
The council is currently asking people living in the area to participate in a survey regarding illegal dumping and any concerns about CCTV in the area.
The survey is running until December 2 on the council’s website.
