Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 494: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate the feasibility of imposing a levy on the sale of cable ties used for public postering and that this levy be disbursed to local authorities to cover their costs in the removal of these cable ties from public utility poles and for the tracking of their use; the legislation that will be needed to do same; if he has proposals in place in relation to these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27067/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no proposals to introduce a levy on cable ties. These items are used primarily for binding electric cables or wires, to keep wires away from moving parts and to help trace and service wiring systems. They are also commonly used to prevent hub-caps from falling off moving vehicles. While I agree that the use of cable ties for public postering needs to be discouraged, I do not believe that the imposition of a levy on sales of the product would be a proportionate response as most sales are likely to be for legitimate purposes.

Section 19 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 makes it an offence to exhibit articles or advertisements on property in, or visible from, a public place without the prior written authority of the relevant owner, occupier or person in charge of that property. This provision also extends to any ties used to secure such advertisements. Exemptions are provided in the case of advertisements advertising a public meeting, other than an auction, and in relation to certain election posters; however, the advertisement and all related cable ties must be removed at the latest seven days after the date of such meeting or election.

Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003 primary responsibility for developing and implementing responses to litter pollution rests 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 and that cleaning, including the removal of cable ties associated with public postering, is scheduled to achieve this.

It is the duty of all political parties and others involved in public meetings, elections and referenda to comply with litter legislation. My Department has reminded local authorities and political parties regularly of the relevant provisions of litter legislation in the context of elections, in particular the requirements of the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003 to remove posters and poster ties within 7 days of polling.