CCTV catches Athy dumpers
THE effects of CCTV cameras in the Edmund Rice Square area of Athy are beginning to be seen with over 40 fines issued since October.
Cameras were installed in an attempt to tackle dumping at recycling facilities in the area with people discarding items such as cardboard boxes and plastic bags at the facility in the middle of the town. Figures related to dumping and the new fines system were revealed at the most recent sitting of Athy Municipal District (7 December). The cameras were installed on 9 October and in the six-week period between then and 17 November, 58 separate incidents of dumping were recorded. 43 fines were issued, with 25 paid, 11 payments in process, and 7 awaiting legal action. 15 offenders were unidentifiable. Fines are capped at €150, with offenders given 21 days to pay.
The CCTV cameras were installed on a pilot scheme basis after Kildare County Council received 52 submissions from the public on the matter.
A council representative noted that there were a number of repeat offenders with some people receiving two or three fines. The council said the problem of dumping in the area appeared to be a behavioral or attitude issue rather than it being a case of bad faith actors. Some people had left rubbish behind after actually using the recycling facilities.
Cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District Ivan Keatley highlighted how the 45 fines from 58 offences were a “serious strike rate” and added that it was vital the CCTV cameras are left in place. Cllr Keatley said that there had been a slight reduction in dumping over the course of the six weeks.
The council also confirmed that it will arrange a clean-up of the area adjacent to the bring banks after cllr Aoife Breslin inquired about such measures. She stated that the area had been “cleaned up massively” but called for further improvements.
She also spoke on the matter of the CCTV cameras, pointing out that the measure was only a pilot scheme until the 8 January and that a specific funding stream for its continuation had yet to be identified.
