Litter
Litter continues to be a major problem in Ireland. In a recent survey undertaken by the Irish Business Against Litter Group a quarter of all towns were found to be litter blackspots but on the positive side 12 towns obtained litter-free status to European Norms.
Litter monitoring in Donegal:
Donegal County Council is currently in a process of carrying out Litter Surveys as part of the National Litter Pollution Monitoring Scheme. These surveys measure quantities of litter, types of litter and quantify the pollution caused by littering. Surveys will be carried out on an annual basis the first year being a baseline to compare the next year results against. This is a very useful tool to actually quantify the Litter problem so that plans can be put in place to manage it.
Litter and the Law:
Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has increased the the on-the-spot Litter Fine from €125 to €150. This increase came into place on the 30th September 2007.
The Litter Pollution Act, 1997 was introduced to tackle the ongoing litter problem. This Act gives Local Authorities the power to prosecute those found littering or illegally disposing of waste. If you to be littering you will receive an on-the-spot fine of €150 and could face prosecution and higher fines.
Enforcing the Law:
The Litter Wardens are responsible for enforcing the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 and the Waste Management Act, 1996. Donegal County Council has increased the number of Litter Wardens from three to six in 2005. There is now one Litter Warden per Electoral Area and Letterkenny Town Council has also employed a full time Litter Warden. The Wardens issue €150 litter fines and investigate illegal dumping.
Clean Up Campaigns:
There are number of campaigns in place to engage the local community in carrying out clean up’s in their locality, estates, schools etc. Donegal County Council support groups in carrying out the activities by supplying limited number of skips to groups who are carrying out bone fide clean ups, bags, gloves and litter pickers.]
Further information can be obtained by contacting: Suzanne Tinney, Waste Awareness Officer (074) 91 72538 email stinney@donegalcoco.ie