Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 540: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the local authorities have reported on an escalation of the problems associated with graffiti; the measures to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7203/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter problems including defacement by graffiti lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to ensure that its functional area is, as far as practicable, kept free of litter including graffiti.

I am satisfied that local authorities have adequate powers under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003 to tackle the problem of graffiti. Sections 19 and 20 of the 1997 Act empower local authorities to take action in relation to incidents of graffiti and, as necessary, to remove or otherwise remedy the defacement. I have received no reports from local authorities along the lines mentioned in the Question.