David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has developed any policy guidelines regarding adopt-a-highway and adopt-a-road schemes which are operating successfully in other countries; his plans to support initiatives here at national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44441/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I am aware of the adopt-a-highway and adopt-a-road schemes which are in operation in other countries; similar schemes are also in place in certain local authority areas in this country.

Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 it is the function of local authorities to provide the primary response to littering. My Department's role is to provide the legislative framework for combating litter pollution, and to motivate and energise anti-litter responses as necessary. It is the responsibility of each local authority to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution within the relevant legislation.

The Anti-Litter Awareness Grant Scheme, which is administered by my Department, allows local authorities the opportunity to apply for grant funding for suitable projects such as adopt-a-road. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the projects they wish to propose for funding. This year I have allocated a total of €1.6 million in grant assistance and a number of adopt-a-road projects proposed by local authorities are receiving support in that context.