CCTV set to roll in four Laois areas
The Killenard Bring Bank is one of the four locations selected for the initial rollout of anti-dumping CCTV. File image
CCTV cameras to catch illegal dumpers are about to roll in Laois after a five-year delay, but public opinion is being sought before they start to record.
Four dumping blackspots in the county have been selected for the first operational cameras, which were delayed for years over GDPR and other legal issues.
The council is seeking public feedback on the installation of both covert and overt cameras in four locations at Clonkeen/Trumera, Vicarstown and the bring bank centres in Killenard and Graiguecullen.
After years of red tape, the council said the cameras will adhere to the codes of practice for the operation of CCTV for ‘the sole primary purpose of preventing litter and illegal dumping and enforcement of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Waste Management Act 1996’.
Cameras had been installed in areas that included Mountmellick but a legal ruling forced their removal, pending new GDPR guidelines. While the guidelines are now in place for local authorities, each site must have a GDPR risk assessment and approval from the Data Protection Commissioner.
The council is inviting people to send their views on the four proposed locations by post to the Environment Department, Laois County Council, James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise or by email to environmentadmin@laoiscoco.ie. Submissions should be marked 'Submission - CCTV proposal' and the closing date is 4pm on Monday 30 June.
