COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 10, 2022

QUESTION NO. 25

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive for a detailed report in to the current Litter Bye Laws. Report to include how they could be changed and how can a councillor request a change?

REPLY:

The Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended, was introduced to provide for the prevention and control of litter pollution, the prevention of the defacement of certain places and matters relating thereto.

At the Environment, Public Realm and Climate Change Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) November 2012 meeting, it was agreed to commence the process of preparing Bye-laws for the Prevention and Control of Litter for the County. Members of the SPC held a special meeting on 8th January 2013 to discuss issues relating to the Bye Laws including where litter accumulates, types of litter, litter generators and occupier responsibility.

ByeLaws are essentially local laws designed to deal with local issues. South Dublin County Council, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001, Section 21 of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, as amended by section 57 of the Protection of the Environment Act, 2003, made Bye-Laws relating to the prevention and control of litter in its administrative area. 

The ByeLaws were were adopted at full Council in October 2013.  These ByeLaws became effective from 14th October 2013.  

The Litter Act and the ByeLaws give the Council extensive powers to deal with litter and litter offenders and outlines general obligations, offences and enforcement.  

A review of the current Litter Bye Laws can be examined by the Environment, Public Realm, Climate Change & Biodiversity SPC.