486. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has discussed the utilisation of drones or similar technologies by local authorities to counteract illegal dumping; and if funding has been or will be provided to councils for this purpose. [42960/19]

In recognition of the impact of illegal dumping on communities across the country, my Department developed the Anti-Dumping Initiative to enable local authorities to identify high risk or problem areas, develop appropriate enforcement responses, including the use of drone technology, and carry out clean-up operations in conjunction with community organisations. My Department provided funding of €1.2 million and €1.8 million to the Anti-Dumping Initiative in 2017 and 2018 respectively and a further allocation of €3 million has been made available this year to support over 280 projects across the country, many of which have involved the purchase and utilisation of drone technology.

Details of this year’s allocations and the projects funded by the Anti-Dumping Initiative in both 2017 and 2018, including SMART enforcement initiatives utilising drones to target illegal dumping, can be accessed on my Department's website at the following link:

www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/waste/enforcement/anti-dumping-initiative/Pages/AntiDumpingInitiative.aspx.