FURTHER calls have been made for increased CCTV in order to deal with the growing problem of fly-tipping across Waterford city and county.
Speaking at the January plenary meeting of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr Jim Griffin (SF) said the issue of fly-tipping was worsening.
He added that the activity was not being carried out by “people on the margins”.
Concerned: City & County Councillor Jim Griffin.
“These are people who are able to afford cars and vans,” he said.
He suggested that the installation of CCTV would be a good investment for Waterford City & County Council.
“CCTV will pay itself back in time through fines,” he said.
Cllr Griffin said Waterford City & County Council could engage with various residents associations with a view to developing CCTV schemes.
Cllr Mary Butler (FF) said that a ‘name and shame policy’ in relation to fly-tipping, littering, and illegal dumping was the only way forward as “our countryside is being absolutely destroyed”.
“The time has come to take a hard stance,” she said.
Director of Services Fergus Galvin said that Waterford City & County Council was looking at upgrading existing CCTV systems in order to provide a more effective operation.
He explained that each complaint in relation to littering, fly-tipping and illegal dumping was investigated.
“Some have resulted in prosecutions, others have resulted in the issuing of on the spot fines,” he explained.
Mr Galvin said the’ name and shame’ issue had been raised before. However, he said if somebody had paid a fine that was “the end of the matter”.
“It’s only with more serious cases that people are taken to court,” he said. He added that he would take the points raised by the Councillors on board.
In 2015, a total of 3104 complaints/issues were received by the Environment Department of Waterford City & County Council.
The majority of the complaints/issues related to: littering (596), control of dogs (563), illegal dumping (427), and fly-tipping (413).