Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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17. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if funding will be provided for local authorities to assist with educating and preventing dog fouling which is a major issue in many areas; the action he can take to support communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13787/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Litter Pollution Acts, 1997 to 2009, provide the statutory framework to combat littering and include provisions relating to dog fouling. Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering (including dog fouling) rests with Local Authorities. It is a matter for each Local Authority to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution locally within the legislation provided. This includes the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions in relation to litter and dog fouling, taking account of local circumstances and priorities.

With regard to litter awareness and education, my Department has, since 1997, co-funded the Local Authority Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS).  Under the scheme, local authorities are responsible for selecting suitable awareness raising and educational projects for funding and deciding on individual grant allocations. Where possible, the focus is on voluntary initiatives by community and environmental groups, and also on involving schools and young people in anti-litter and anti-graffiti action. Typically, eligible projects include local media campaigns, clean-ups, primary/secondary school competitions, exhibitions, and the production of videos, posters and leaflets. Local authorities will continue to be encouraged, where practical under the scheme to expend a portion of their grant on dog fouling awareness projects.