Councils to gain power to use CCTV footage to identify fly-tippers

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has warned that there is currently no legal basis for councils processing images of members of the public for this purpose.

The Times reports that Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has said the government intends to resolve the issue in the proposed Waste Management (Circular Economy) Bill.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is currently seeking “internal legal advice” on the DPC’s position.

Mr Ryan said the government would strike a balance through legislation and guidance to tackle the “scourge of illegal dumping” while protecting the “privacy rights of citizens”.