Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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The General Scheme of the Circular Economy Bill 2021 was published on 15 June 2021. Under the Bill, my Department is proposing to consider the issue of existing Fixed Penalty Notices and to introduce new Fixed Penalty Notices related to waste enforcement activities. The issue of litter fines is being considered in the context of progressing the Circular Economy Bill.

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 dog fouling, taking account of local circumstances and priorities.