Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to tackle the rise in illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61189/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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2020 data indicates an increase in the reporting of illegal dumping incidents, perhaps due to increased activity levels locally due to lockdown. However, data received from the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System for 2020 and from the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) indicates that this was not matched by a corresponding increase in illegal dumping volumes.

€3m was allocated to local authorities under the 2021 Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) and while 2022 ADI Allocations are yet to be finalised, I intend to ensure that a similar amount will be made available.

My Department will also continue to invest significantly in the local authority waste enforcement network under the Local Authority Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme. €7.7m was provided under the scheme in 2021, while over €1mn was provided to support the ongoing enhancement of the role, capacity and responsibilities of the WERLAs. Support for both will continue in 2022.

€4m was also provided to local authorities in 2021 under a new Litter Infrastructure Support Grant Scheme, designed to support local authority provision of additional litter infrastructure in the context of the Government's emphasis on an outdoor summer. Over 1,300 bins have been purchased and installed by local authorities under this scheme, including over 400 smart bins.

In addition, the Circular Economy Bill, currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny, will advance a number of priority provisions identified in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, including providing for the GDPR-compliant use of a range of technologies, such as CCTV for waste and litter enforcement purposes and the introduction of new Fixed Penalty Notices for illegal dumping offences. Other relevant measures outlined in the Waste Action Plan will also be progressed during 2022.