Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2011
61 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 53 of 25 November 2010 the progress, if any, he has made regarding support for adopt a road initiatives across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11564/11]
View answerUnder the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 the primary management and enforcement response to littering must come from local authorities. The role of my Department is to provide the legislative framework within which to combat litter pollution and to motivate and energise anti-litter responses as necessary.
Under the Anti-Litter Awareness Grant Scheme, which is administered by my Department, local authorities may apply for grant funding for suitable projects such as adopt-a-road. During 2010, six local authorities availed of funding under the Scheme to support small scale schemes of this kind. Typically these schemes involve local community groups agreeing to adopt a short stretch of road and clean it at regular intervals throughout the year with the local authorities' assistance and supervision. Schemes may also be sponsored by local businesses in return for signage detailing their involvement.
I have encouraged co-operation between businesses, the public, community groups and local authorities through the Civic Responsibility Week currently under way. My Department is now working on proposals to encourage the expansion of such schemes through engagement with local authorities and local communities. I will be giving urgent consideration to these proposals, when finalised, with a view to making early further progress in this area.
