GDPR prevents Council from ‘naming and shaming’ fly-tippers

New data protection legislation prevents Galway City Council from ‘naming and shaming’ convicted fly-tippers.

That’s according to Council Chief Executive, Brendan McGrath, who said the practice is no longer an option.

Mr McGrath said naming those in a public manner would be a great deterrent, but General Data Protection Rules (GDPR) introduced in May of this year rule it out – he described the practice of illegally disposing of waste as an “appalling anti-social activity”.

“Under GDPR legislation, you’re now not allowed to name and shame. It’s a pity because to name and shame them might soften their cough,” said Mr McGrath.

All options to reduce the practice are being examined, said Mr McGrath, adding that one way to get to the bottom of illegal dumping would be to penalise those who cannot show they are disposing of waste legally.

This could be enforced by ensuring Council tenants either have a weekly waste connection – or can prove they are taking their rubbish to a recognised waste disposal unit.
This is a preview only. To read the rest of this article, see this week’s Galway City Tribune. Buy a digital edition of this week’s paper here.

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