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

I agree with Deputy McGrath that many people act irresponsibly by dumping waste. All the Department can do is provide money to local authorities which must then provide additional resources if they wish to prioritise the issue in order to ensure that places are clean. I agree with the Deputy that illegal dumping is unacceptable. Small shopkeepers, in particular, are paying commercial rates yet they do not see their communities being tidied up. They can see irresponsible citizens littering places, particularly late at night.

We are seeking to strengthen proposals under the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to give local authorities more powers, including on-the-spot fines by litter wardens and perhaps gardaí as well. Such strengthened powers for local authorities will ensure a change in attitudes and an enforcement of the personal responsibility one would expect in any community.

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