Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has questioned why Waterford Council has not yet deployed mobile CCTV in an effort to tackle illegal dumping, littering and dog fouling in West Waterford, despite council’s in neighbouring counties having used the tactic to great success. McGuinness has suggested the use of mobile CCTV at a number of Council meetings.
McGuinness said:
“Wexford County Council has used mobile CCTV to secure a number of convictions for illegal dumping over recent years. Mobile CCTV is simply the use of a closed-circuit camera in a car or van, which can be moved to areas with a recurring problem with illegal dumping, littering or dog-fouling.
“We cannot tackle these problems with publicity campaigns or hand-wringing. IWe need to identify those responsible for repeatedly flouting the law and bring charges where possible. Having clear evidence is essential to securing a conviction and CCTV can be an effective tool.
“Council officials correctly point out complications with data protection and privacy laws, but we can’t use this as an excuse not to take action. These concerns are not insurmountable and rather than re-inventing the wheel we should engage with other local authorities that use mobile CCTV and learn from their experience.”
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 