Illegal dumping technology
Deputy Noel Rock asked what the Government was doing to use drones, CCTV and other technology against illegal dumping. The Taoiseach said €2 million had been allocated for smart anti-dumping technology, including drones and satellites.
The programme for Government contains a commitment to tackle illegal dumping which has blighted many communities, both urban and rural. Only last night, residents in the Tolka Valley area of south Finglas asked when technology could be further utilised to tackle this scourge. Page 136 of the programme promises precisely that. What is the Government doing to tackle illegal dumping in respect of the utilisation of new technology such as drones and closed circuit television, CCTV, systems?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. The Tolka Valley straddles his constituency and mine, and a few others. It is a very beautiful place that is often blighted by illegal dumping. Under the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment's new 2018 anti-illegal dumping initiative, €2 million has been allocated for smart technology, including imagery from drones and satellites as well as CCTV. The drones, satellites and other technology will allow us to identify illegal dumping and identify the perpetrators.