David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions he has had with local authorities in relation to the impact of litter and fly-tipping on tourism; if his attention has been drawn to any studies conducted into this and his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44072/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009, the primary response to litter is a matter for local authorities. It is the responsibility of each local authority to enforce the litter laws and to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution within the relevant legislation. The role of my Department is to provide the legislative framework within which to combat litter pollution and as necessary to motivate and energise anti-litter responses.

In recognition of the effects of litter and fly-tipping I have established an action group on rural and roadside litter. This group, which includes representatives from my Department, the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland and other key stakeholders, is examining the issue of rural and roadside litter, including its impact on tourism, and will be reporting to me with recommendations on proposed actions to counter the issue.

Furthermore in direct response to the potential impact of litter and fly -tipping on tourism I have committed funding of €1.5 million over a three year period to aid local authorities in their fight against litter at locations with high tourist footfalls.

The scheme, the Tourist Season Anti-Litter Support Grant, is specifically designed to counter litter levels at tourist destinations and access routes across each local authority's functional area during the peak summer tourist period from May to September. It is intended that these grants will be utilised to assist local authorities in the deployment of staff and resources to clean up key tourist destinations, such as beaches and popular scenic areas.