COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 13, 2014

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

That this Council writes to the Minister for the Environment asking him to review the Litter Pollution Act with a view to significantly increasing on-the-spot fines on a rising scale for a range of offences with a corresponding increase in fines administered in court by a judge; and furthermore, in line with the existing provisions of the Litter Pollution Act, immediately carries out a review of its own litter management plan, in consultation with councillors, to see what amendments can be made through enforcement, education and creativity within the existing legislation to reduce the scourge of littering and illegal dumping in the county.

REPORT:

The Litter Pollution Act (1997) provides for the prevention and control of litter pollution. It defines the responsibilities of various sectors and individuals and details enforcement procedures and penalties

Section 10 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended requires Local Authorities to make and implement a Litter Management Plan and also required that the local authority shall review its litter management plan at least once in each period of 3 years after the plan is first implemented, and, if the local authority deems it necessary after the review, shall amend or replace the plan.

The current Litter Management Plan covers the period 2011 - 2014. 

The procedure for making, amending or replacing litter management plan is set out in Section 12 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997and a review of the plan is imminent. This will be considered in the first instance by the Environment SPC, with a formal public consultation process to take place thereafter. 

It is also intended to initiate an awareness of the existing Litter Byelaws in Q4 of 2014 with escalation of enforcement thereafter.

If the motion is passed the members' sentiments will be conveyed to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.