Covert cameras to be used to identify people illegally dumping waste in County Wicklow.
Hidden cameras are being introduced in County Wicklow as a new way of tackling litter louts. Closed circuit television cameras are being placed in areas which are prone to illegal dumping.
Special cameras disguised as plants, rocks and other flora and placed in litter black spots with the aim of identifying the dumpers.
Information will be collected and passed on to Gardaí. If successful, it is hoped that the pilot project will be rolled out nationwide.
€350,000 is being provided for the scheme from the Department of the Environment with a further €50,000 from local authorities. Each camera will cost in the region of €30,000 to €50,000.
In addition to the cameras, there will also be a new clean up vehicle on the streets. Members of the public will be able to report illegal dumping by contacting a new lo-call number.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 1 September 2006. The reporter is Kate Egan.
