Use ‘sting’ to catch dumpers, says Kerry mayor

The mayor of Kerry has backed a call for a “sting” operation to catch people who dump illegally.

Litter continues to be a major problem in the tourism haven but there were no prosecutions in 2014, despite 437 cases being investigated.

Top scenic spots such as Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula are regularly targeted by offenders.

However, Killarney’s mayor John Joe Culloty said, at the weekend, he supports a proposal by a Clare county councillor that hidden cameras should be placed inside old washing machines, or television sets, in an effort to detect offenders.

The Clare council is considering a proposal from Fianna Fáil councillor Alan O’Callaghan for cameras to be ‘planted’ in countryside where dumping is a major issue. People were inclined to dump rubbish where they saw other litter deposited, the councillor claimed.

Highlighting the importance of tourism and a clean environment to Kerry, Mr Culloty said there appeared to be no reduction in dumping in rural areas. He called on the county council to purchase at least six further surveillance cameras.

He has been advised by council officials of plans to purchase more cameras and signage which would be used to deter perpetrators.

During 2014, hidden cameras continued to be used at blackspots in Kerry, but many illegal dumpers managed to avoid being caught.

Mr Culloty called for more effective ways to camouflage the cameras and also said the council should not place ‘no dumping’ signs at blackspots.

“Signs can make people suspicious that an area is being watched. We’re trying to catch people not warn them,” he said

Up to now, he said, there were not enough convictions of offenders and, if necessary, more staff should be deployed to tackle the problem, the cost of which would be well worthwhile if convictions resulted.

“I believe the council should be more aggressive in following up people who are caught. If more people were brought to court, others would be deterred,” he said.

“This is a huge issue and we’re very concerned about it, given that Kerry is a top tourist county. We have hundreds of volunteers who go out regularly picking up litter. When others continue to dump illegally, it can be very demoralising for these volunteers.’’

While he supported the Clare ‘sting’ proposal, Mr Culloty also pointed out: “There’s always a danger that some Good Samaritan will come along and move a discarded washing machine from the side of the road, inadvertently taking the camera as well.”

Local authorities agree it is now extremely difficult to get enough evidence to prosecute offenders who are careful not to leave any clues, such as envelopes with their home addresses.

Mr O’Callaghan said cameras should be planted in certain areas. “If two or three people got fined €3,000 for illegal dumping, we would soon wise people up,” he told a meeting of Killaloe Municipal Authority.

Three full-time litter wardens are employed by Kerry County Council, with help from traffic /litter wardens in Dingle, Caherciveen, Castleisland, Killorglin, Killarney, Kenmare and Listowel.