Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 816: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the system in place for receiving reports from local authorities on litter blackspots in their areas; the latest findings from these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27948/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System, full details of which are available on www.litter.ie, local authorities carry out surveys to determine the extent, main causes and composition of litter pollution in their areas. The data obtained provides a picture of national pollution levels and measures progress in tackling litter pollution. The data also enables local authorities to provide more effective litter management planning for their areas and ensure optimum allocation of resources to tackle litter pollution.

Under the system, the extent and severity of litter pollution is measured using a Litter Pollution Index (LPI), of 1 to 5 as follows:

1. Unpolluted or litter free

2. Slightly polluted

3. Moderately polluted

4. Significantly polluted

5. Grossly polluted.

Those areas designated as "grossly polluted" equate to litter blackspots.

In recent years, the trends emerging from the monitoring system in regard to litter pollution levels are generally positive. The emerging pattern is of gradual but steady improvement in regard to the extent of litter pollution countrywide. Litter free areas are increasing and littered areas, including litter blackspots, are decreasing.

My Department is at present assessing the findings for 2005, and these will be published shortly.