Under the Litter Pollution Act and the Waste Management Act, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to littering and illegal dumping lies with the local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate awareness, enforcement, clean-up and disposal actions in relation to littering and illegal dumping, taking account of their own local circumstances and priorities.
However, the Department continues to provide significant support to the local authority sector in their efforts to deal with incidences of illegal dumping. €23 million has been provided to local authorities under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was launched in 2017, including €2.89 million in 2025, to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem.
Funding provided under the ADI can be utilised by local authorities to organise clean-ups, purchase CCTV and other mobile recording equipment and put in place effective enforcement measures. In this regard I am informed that Carlow County Council recently secured a conviction against an individual found to have illegally dumped waste at a recycling centre, with evidence collected via a CCTV system funded under the ADI. This serves as an example of the effectiveness of the ADI in supporting local authority enforcement activity.
A further €3 million has been allocated to local authorities under the ADI in 2026. It is a matter for each local authority to apply for this funding through the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities, who administer the scheme on behalf of the Department.
The Department continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network through the Local Authority Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme. Since this scheme was established in 2003, almost €160 million has been provided to local authorities by the Department in order to support the ongoing recruitment and retention of a network of waste enforcement staff across the country. A further €7.7 million has been allocated to local authorities under this scheme in 2026.
The Department also provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. €750,000 was provided under this Scheme in 2025 with a comparable amount expected to be made available in 2026.
Significantly the on-the-spot fine for littering will increase from €150 to €250 from the 1 September, delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to increase penalties to deter littering and illegal dumping, and ensuring those found to have littered face appropriate consequences.
