Solar powered CCTV in Louth to target illegal dumping

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Solar powered CCTV cameras are set to become a new weapon in the battle against illegal dumping as Louth County Council confirmed it was awarded over €100k for five anti-dumping initiatives.

Concerns about the rise of illegal dumping were highlighted at the monthly meeting of Louth County Council.

Councillors were told the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications had announced funding through the WERLA’s to support Local Authorities in 2025 Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI).

Chief Executive David Conway outlined in his monthly management report: “The 2025 ADI aims to reduce incidents of illegal dumping by identifying and delivering projects aimed at tackling illegal dumping ‘black spots’ throughout the county and adhere to key measures of prevention, abatement, education and awareness and enforcement. The Department continues to strongly encourage innovative projects, which recognise waste as a resource that can be repurposed for use in a Circular Economy.”

A total of six project applications were submitted for approval under the ADI 2025 totalling €112,583.60. The Department approved funding of €100,783.60 for the completion of five projects including: Mattress and Sofa Amnesty Event – V&W Dundalk; Mattress and Sofa Amnesty Event – V&W Drogheda; Mattress and Soda Amnesty Collection Point – Ardee; Moneymore Lanes clean-up and a Solar Powered CCTV system at Williamsons Place, Dundalk.

Cllr. Emma Coffey asked for an update on the Solar Powered CCTV system, asking for a timeline on when this might be delivered.

She added that it was hoped this could be an initiative that could be used again, as it was likely to be more sustainable in terms of maintenance and upkeep.

Director of Services, David Hanratty, explained that it has to be approved by the CCTV steering group, adding that there were increased privacy directives. This would not be a permanent fixture, and could operate on a temporary basis for a month or two. But, he pointed out that it was a piece of equipment that could be moved to other locations.

The meeting heard the sofa and mattress amnesty events would be held in a similar way to previous years, in three civic amenity locations, Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee.

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