Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley.

I thank Deputy Breen for raising this important issue. The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009, rather than the Waste Management Acts, provide the statutory framework for combating litter. Under the Litter Pollution Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering must come from local authorities. The role of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is to provide the legislative framework within which local authorities 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 relation to litter, taking account of local circumstances and priorities. Furthermore, while legislative responsibility for the clean up of litter on our streets lies with the local authorities, primary responsibility for keeping our country free of litter must ultimately lie with each citizen of the State.

Maximum penalties attaching to littering offences are substantial. In addition to 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 a maximum fine for summary conviction of €3,000. The 2003 Act also gives local authorities the power to make by-laws in respect of a range of specific litter issues. However, it is recognised that legislative measures alone will not solve the problem and that a multifaceted approach is required, involving all elements of Irish society and incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education. The Minister recently 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 merely the start of a campaign in which the Department will engage with the Environmental Protection Agency, local authorities, the National Roads Authority and the public.

The Minister is also 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 2010. The Department also provides significant funding to several anti-litter initiatives currently in operation, including, National Spring Clean, the Green Schools Programme, Irish Business Against Litter, IBAL Litter League, Tidy Towns and 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 in recent years, with 65% of towns surveyed in 2009 deemed to be "clean to European norms", as compared to 14% of towns in 2002. However, there is no room for complacency. The Government will continue to ensure that targeted, energetic anti-litter responses are developed as required.

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