Tidy town groups welcome new prosecution powers to tackle illegal dumping

Local tidy towns organisations are welcoming new legislation that will allow video evidence to be used in the prosecution of illegal dumpers.

Under new powers agreed by cabinet, local authorities will be allowed to use CCTV, dashcam and drone footage in the fight against offenders.

Due to GDPR and privacy concerns over the last number of years, video evidence has been inadmissible in dumping prosecutions.

Cabinet has supported new moves to overturn that decision while still maintain fair GDPR adherence to those involved.

Ann O'Malley from Carrigallen Tidy Towns in Leitrim says the new powers are a step in the right direction:

Longford councillor Gerry Warnock says the powers will properly arm local government to tackle the issue: