Drones may be used to catch illegal dumpers in Tipperary

Tipperary County Council may use drone technology and CCTV to combat litter and illegal dumping.

That is according to Director of Services for the Environment section Eamon Lonergan who said 'technology inspections' will be carried out in ‘blackspots’ in the county.

However, he said he would not disclose where. His comments were in response to concerns about litter and dumping raised by several elected representatives.

Cllr Sean Ryan said the ‘proliferation of rubbish’ is a huge problem. He asked what the council’s plan is for using technology.

He referenced drone footage and covert CCTV.

“We all have environmental officers in our districts who are worn out,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Burgess supported Cllr Ryan's query saying CCTV was 'instrumental' in tackling the issue.

Cllr Phyll Bulger said littering and dumping is a particular issue in her area.

“It’s really killing us here in as far as tourism and the tidy towns efforts,” said Cllr Bulger.

Cllr John Carroll said he felt littering and dumping should be classed differently and fines higher.

He said ‘serial offenders’ should be prosecuted under the Waste Management Act, which allows for higher fines.

Cllr Ger Darcy called for action in his own area on the N52 near Ardcroney. He said people passing through throw rubbish out of car windows.

He called it a “terrible-looking eyesore.”

Mr Lonergan said littering is worse than he has ever seen it and called it "disheartening."

He said the council should be focused on tackling climate change. But instead, the council are spending money and energy on clean-ups, machinery and awareness campaigns.

“It’s something we have to tackle. We have to be more hard-hitting,” said Mr Lonergan.

To that end, he said the council are prosecuting more cases in court and will continue to do so.

“We are winning cases in court,” said Mr Lonergan. He also said the litter management plan is currently up for review and will shortly go for public consultation.

Cllr Shane Lee acknowledged the work of schools in terms of green flag initiatives.

He said he didn’t want the message going out that there is no good work being done.

Mr Lonergan said there are currently over 200 registered groups for upcoming spring cleans and asked people to get in touch if they would like to participate.

“Please come and talk to the environment section. We will do everything we can.”

“We are keen to tackle this,” said Mr Lonergan.