Wexford County Council Reveals Action Against Illegal Dumping with CCTV

Wexford County Council is stepping up efforts to tackle illegal dumping and improve road conditions with some new strategies. It follows our report yesterday of extensive illegal dumping at Brownswood Enniscorthy over the weekend. The Director of Services at Wexford County Council Eamonn Hore has outlined several important developments that will impact both environmental and road maintenance efforts in the county. 1. CCTV to Combat Illegal Dumping In a bid to reduce illegal dumping, the council has received approval to introduce CCTV in key areas. While the cameras will serve as a deterrent, they will primarily be used for post-incident analysis due to strict GDPR and data protection regulations. Eamonn Hore emphasized that this move, although not a complete solution, would support ongoing efforts to keep Wexford clean. Last year, the council's teams conducted over 2,400 clean-ups, reducing illegal dumping from 1,000 tons to just over 300 tons. The introduction of CCTV, expected in the coming months, follows significant public consultation and aims to build on the council’s ongoing anti-litter campaigns. 2. Community Involvement in Clean-Up Efforts The Director of Services also highlighted the significant role of community groups, such as the Tidy Towns Groups in reducing illegal dumping. Over 260 community-led clean-ups took place in the past year alone, contributing to Wexford's growing reputation for cleanliness. The council's Rapid Reaction Crew , dedicated to handling illegal dumping incidents, responded to over 2,400 cases last year. 3. Road Maintenance and Pothole Repairs When it comes to road maintenance, potholes remain a significant issue across the county. Eamonn Hore explained that while the council does fill potholes, the level of funding remains a limiting factor. In recent years, the council has seen slight improvements in road conditions, with the funding increase allowing for better repairs in the most damaged areas. However, the challenge persists as there are thousands of kilometers of roads requiring attention. Mr. Hore confirmed that funding updates will be provided in February, giving hope for further improvements to the region’s roads.