Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 May 2025
20. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any research has been carried out as to whether increased fines would help pay for additional litter wardens to deal with litter and illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27790/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authority staffing is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
My Department provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. €750,000 was provided under this scheme in 2024 and the same amount is being provided in 2025.
Funding is also provided annually in support of a number of important anti-litter initiatives such as the National Spring Clean, Picker Pals, the PURE Project and Irish Business against Litter.
