Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 provide the statutory framework to combat the litter problem. Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering must come from the local authorities. The role of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is to provide the legislative framework within which they can perform this task. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions in regard to litter, taking account of local circumstances and priorities. Furthermore, while the ultimate legislative responsibility for the clean up of litter on our streets lies with the local authorities, it must be pointed out that the primary responsibility for keeping our country free of litter lies with each citizen of the State.

Maximum penalties attaching to littering offences are substantial and include an on-the-spot fine of €150. The Protection of the Environment Act 2003 introduced conviction on indictment for litter offences, with a maximum fine of €130,000, and set the maximum fine for summary conviction at €3,000. The 2003 Act also gave local authorities the power to make by-laws in respect of a range of specific litter issues.

However, we recognise that legislative measures alone will not solve the problem. In order to tackle the issue, a multifaceted approach is required, involving all elements of Irish society and incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education. In recent days, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced the provision of €1.5 million over a three-year period specifically to assist local authorities in keeping key tourist areas free of litter during the peak summer season. This is the start of a focused anti-litter campaign in which his Department will engage with the Environmental Protection Agency, local authorities, the National Roads Authority and the public.

In addition, the Minister is continuing to provide local authorities with funding to assist in raising awareness of the environmental and economic consequences of littering and graffiti. A total of €1 million has been allocated to local authorities under the anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness grant scheme in 2010. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government also provides significant funding to several anti-litter initiatives currently in operation in Ireland, including the national spring clean, the green schools programme, the Irish Business Against Litter litter league, Tidy Towns and the protection of the uplands and rural environments - PURE - project.

Much progress has been made in dealing with litter pollution. The 2009 national litter pollution monitoring system report, to be published by the Department shortly, will show a continuing improvement in litter levels across the country. The recent Irish Business against Litter results also point to a steady improvement in litter levels over the period, with 65% of towns surveyed in 2009 deemed to be "clean to European norms", compared to 14% of towns in 2002. However, there is no room for complacency and the Minister will continue to ensure that targeted, energetic anti-litter responses are developed as required.

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