Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 provide the statutory framework to combat littering and include provisions relating to dog fouling.  Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering, including the provision of dog waste bags in public places, is a matter for local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority, including the Deputy's councillor friend, to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution locally, within the legislative framework, including the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions relating to litter and dog fouling, taking account of its local circumstances and priorities.

To support them in delivering this important statutory function, my Department provides a substantial amount of money each year under the anti-litter-anti-graffiti awareness grant scheme to each local authority to support suitable projects, schemes and initiatives tailored to create awareness, educate and combat the issue of litter within their functional areas. Projects eligible for funding under the scheme include the provision of "pooper scooper" materials to assist in the disposal of faeces, when a dog litters while in a public place. Awareness campaigns educating people about the dangers associated with dog fouling and the proper disposal of same are also supported. Sufficient resources are given by the Department to the local authorities to do what the Deputy has asked.

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