Moves to use drones to detect fly-tipping

A local politician has called for urgency in the development of a code of practice for the use of drones in tackling fly-tipping and littering.

Local authorities are working on a new code of practice that will allow the use of drone-mounted cameras and other recording equipment like CCTV and body cams to identify and apprehend illegal fly-tippers.

The Local Government Management Agency is finalising these codes of practice and data protection guidelines to enable the operation of CCTV schemes aimed at assisting waste enforcement officials in catching littering offenders.

Senator Robbie Gallagher says that the technology is expected to be in use before the end of the year, pending approval from the relevant Government departments.

“We have all seen instances of fly-tipping across the county, often along country roads and in beauty spots such as Sliabh Beagh. The trouble some people go to in order to dump old furniture or electrical equipment makes little sense when there are legal alternatives.

"Indeed, with regard to electrical equipment, stores are compelled to take old equipment from customers when selling a new piece.

"The take-back system is free. It operates on a one-for-one and like-for-like basis - the appliance you are returning must be of a similar type or perform the same function as the one you are buying, for example. you can return an old toaster when you buy a new one but you can't return a toaster when you buy a new microwave."

He notes that when you purchase a new product you have up to 15 days to return a similar old one to the retailer.

"There are also free WEEE collections in all the main towns every year. Similarly, the council organises initiatives such as mattress amnesties and community skips regularly, and there are plenty of clothes banks, bottle banks and charity shops available. There is simply no excuse for littering and dumping and those who persist in doing it should face the rigours of the law,” he said.