Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has approved a new three-year education and enforcement plan to tackle fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling.

The strategy will deploy CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras and digital systems to gather evidence and support enforcement action. Targeted communication campaigns, school programmes and responsible dog ownership initiatives form part of the behavioural change elements. A computer information system will analyse offence trends to focus interventions.

The council’s Sustainability and Environment Committee agreed to recommend the plan on 17 June. It will be considered by the full council next month.

Council Chairperson Glyn Hanna said the plan provides a strong foundation for cleaner and safer communities across the district. He urged residents to dispose of litter properly, recycle more and use household recycling centres rather than leaving waste at roadsides. He added that there is no justification for illegal dumping and endorsed the approach.

The council district covers parts of counties Armagh and Down, including the city of Newry and the Mourne area. By combining education with tougher enforcement, the authority aims to improve recycling rates and reduce the financial burden of clearing dumped waste.