Update on CCTV Pilot Scheme and Major Waste Management Reforms

I want to provide a detailed update on two significant projects progressing across our city — the CCTV Pilot Scheme in the North Inner City and the removal of the plastic bag waste derogation in the Grafton Street area — as well as the wider changes underway to improve how we manage waste and keep our city clean.

Some of you may have seen media coverage following this week’s Central Area Committee meeting, which included an update from Dublin City Council official Barry Woods. I want to take this opportunity to clarify the current position.

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CCTV Pilot Scheme – NEIC

A technical issue arose around plans to mount and power CCTV cameras using existing public lighting infrastructure. As these are time-limited pilot schemes, the goal was to avoid the high costs of installing ESB connections and separate poles. However, the specific lighting poles in the pilot area were found to be unsuitable for technical reasons.

As a result, standalone poles are now being installed, and these will be fitted with solar-powered CCTV units. Should the pilot prove effective in reducing illegal dumping, applications will be made to connect the units to ESB power on a permanent basis.

Let me be clear: contrary to what was reported, there is no dispute between the Waste Management and Public Lighting sections. Public Lighting continues to fully support this initiative and is assisting in the delivery of new poles, along with other critical projects such as compactors and EV charging points.

New CCTV Pilot Timeline:

• Week of 14th July 2025: Final sign-off by the Project Board and Chief Executive
• Week of 4th August 2025: Installation of poles and cameras by DCC contractors and CCTV provider

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Bag Derogation & Compactor Project – Grafton Street Pilot Area

The removal of the plastic bag waste presentation derogation is one of the most significant waste management changes in decades and is a central pillar of the Council’s Three Pillar Waste Strategy, approved in September 2024.

This project has involved extensive engagement with private waste collectors, who have worked constructively with the Council to support a coordinated shift away from plastic bags.

Key developments include:

• Most customers in the pilot area have now been moved to wheelie bin collections
• Locations for new compactors have been agreed, and units have been purchased
• A new direct collection system for remaining bagged waste is in place and being communicated to customers
• ESB applications have been submitted, with civil works scheduled to begin week of 11th August 2025

Once the power supply is operational, the derogation will be removed within two weeks, with collectors issuing fobs/cards and supporting customers in using the new systems. Waste collector staff will also be present on-site to help residents during the early days of the rollout.

While delays have occurred — largely due to factors outside our direct control — every effort is being made to move the project forward as swiftly as possible.

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Citywide Progress on Waste Management and Street Cleaning

These pilot projects form part of a much wider citywide strategy. Over the past 12 months, the following key improvements have been delivered:

• 100 new general operatives recruited to enhance cleaning services across the city, expanding 24-hour cleaning areas (60 in place; 35 more due to start shortly)
• 7 new litter wardens appointed, including for night-time enforcement
• 22 Multihog compact road sweepers procured to strengthen mechanical street cleaning
• 21 new Green Machine HandVacs for detailed cleaning
• 5 specialist street washing vehicles with high-pressure washing capabilities, particularly for suburban areas
• 55 new side-loader waste vehicles, 50% of which are electric
• New framework agreements for:
  • Supply and maintenance of solar compactor litter bins
  • Collection and disposal of street residues and materials
• New textile collection contract to be finalised shortly
• Pilot of a new digital system to verify and improve our cleaning schedules, beginning in the NEIC in the coming weeks

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Looking Ahead

These initiatives are part of a broader transformation of how we clean, maintain, and manage our city’s public realm. I intend to ensure a comprehensive report to the September meeting of Dublin City Council, setting out:

• What has been delivered over the past 12 months
• What is planned for the year ahead

As Lord Mayor, I remain committed to ensuring that Dublin becomes a cleaner, greener, and more liveable capital, delivering for every community and neighbourhood across our city.

Stay tuned for further updates, and thank you to all residents, businesses, and stakeholders who are working with us to deliver a better Dublin.