Second stage of Circular Economy Bill taken in Seanad

West Waterford Labour councillors have welcomed the Government’s commitment to utilising a Labour Party bill to use CCTV to tackle

illegal dumping.

Speaking after the second stage of the Circular Economy Bill was taken in the Seanad, local councillor John Pratt welcomed that the use of CCTV could now be used for waste enforcement in a manner compliant with EU law.

“I welcome a commitment from Minister of State Ossian Smyth that the Government’s Circular Economy Bill would provide for the use of recording technologies for waste enforcement purposes in a way that is fully in compliance with national and EU data protection law,” the Tallow councillor said.

Also welcoming the news was West Waterford councillor Thomas Phelan.

“Last year my Labour colleague Senator Mark Wall brought a Bill to the Seanad which would allow the use of CCTV in the prosecution of offences relating to illegal dumping as a result of the increase in illegal dumping, particularly during the peak of Covid restrictions when voluntary groups such as Tidy Towns, that do a wonderful job of keeping our communities clean, could not meet”.

According to Senator Wall, an estimated €90 million per year is spent across the 31 local authorities across the country to cover the cost of clearing up litter and illegally dumped materials.

Cllr John Pratt notes that this is funding that could be better spent elsewhere within local communities.

“As public representatives, we are always asked about playgrounds and community facilities and the sort of money we could save in relation to that €90 million, could and should be put into those sorts of facilities,” Cllr Pratt said.