Litter problem is far from solved, says Dempsey

Ireland's litter problem is far from solved, the Minister for the Environment Mr Dempsey has said.

Launching the Government's Litter Action Plan today, Mr Dempsey said economic boom has exacerbated the problem but the first national anti-litter strategy would aim to eliminate "this affront to the kind of environment people want to see and live in".

Mr Dempsey called on all sectors in society and individuals to play their part in implementing the Litter Action Plan which was published in response to a report by the National Anti-Litter Forum.

The plan proposes to boost fines for litter-related offences. On-the-spot fines will be doubled to £100 and a maximum fine of £100,000 will replace the current maximum of £1,500 for conviction on indictment for litter offences.

Changes in the law are also proposed to give more power to local authorities and the plan calls on these authorities to intensify efforts particularly in the area of litter law enforcement.

The Government is to provide £950,000 for anti-litter measures in 2001, according to the Litter Action Plan.

The plan also says Mr Dempsey is finalising a policy statement on waste management and recovery and recycling. Detailed proposals to implement a levy on plastic bags will be announced shortly, says the plan.