More drones used to tackle illegal dumping

A SOUTHSIDE TD has said only a handful of local authorities cited drone purchase in Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) spending.

Deputy John Curran (FF) welcomed an increase in the number of local councils using the initiative to purchase drones to tackle illegal dumping but added that others should make use of the funds.

Deputy Curran made the comments as information of projects funded by the ADI in 2017 and 2018 showed that drones were purchased by Leitrim, Cavan, Kilkenny and Fingal local authorities.

Other councils cited “surveillance equipment” as purchases but not necessarily drones.

“It is good to see more local authorities realise the potential of drones in combatting the scourge of illegal dumping,” Deputy Curran said. “This, and fly tipping, have developed into a serious problem across the country.

“There are many well-known dumping black spots across the South Dublin County Council area that would benefit from drone surveillance.

“Not only is this a major eyesore, the dumping of toxic materials like tyres and building rubble also sparks potential public health concerns.

“Many of the ADI projects cited covert and overt CCTV to target dumping blackspots while another gave information on the purchasing of dummy CCTV cameras and poles.

“While these efforts are also important, I do believe that when used appropriately, drone surveillance is highly effective and I would urge local authorities to appraise their use.”

 South Dublin County Council said it was supportive and proactive in the use of drones to tackle illegal dumping.

Since 2017, South Dublin County Council said it had received a funding allocation €237,000 to assist in the delivery of 16 projects, of which five are currently being completed as part of the 2019 Funding Allocation.

“In relation to use of Drones, as part of the 2017 Anti-Dumping Initiative, South Dublin county Council purchased a drone with this funding and in addition the council funded a second drone,” the council stated.

“Both drones have been operational since January 2018,” the council revealed.

“The drones have been used to monitor compliance of waste facilities, assist in the detection and quantifying illegal waste/dumping sites and carry out surveillance of illegal waste activities.”