John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I am aware that schemes such as those to which the Deputy refers are in operation abroad. Similar schemes are in place in certain local authority areas here. Under statute, the primary response to litter is a matter for local authorities. My Department's role is to provide the legislative framework for combating litter pollution and motivate and energise anti-litter responses, as necessary. It is the responsibility of each local authority to enforce the litter laws and determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution within the relevant legislation.

The anti-litter awareness grant scheme operated by the local authorities and which my Department is responsible for administering, has in recent years included projects of the type referred to in the question. This year, I have allocated a total sum of €1.07 million for grant purposes and a number of adopt-a-road and adopt-a-bring bank schemes proposed by local authorities will receive financial support from my Department.

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