Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
967. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on polystyrene packaging that is littered and subsequently eaten by birds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4070/20]
View answerEU Directive 2019/904 of 5 June 2019 (commonly referred to as the Single Use Plastics Directive) focusses on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.
Expanded polystyrene food and beverage containers are specifically included in the terms of the Directive and from 3 July 2021 the placing of these items on the Irish and EU markets will be banned.
Other polystyrene packaging will be subject to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions which will ensure that producers of all packaging are liable for the costs associated with the collection, transport and treatment of the packaging they place on the market in addition to the costs of providing adequate information to waste holders and data gathering agencies.
Primary responsibility for the management and enforcement of anti-litter programmes rests with the Local Authority sector and my Department ensures that a robust legislative framework is in place to support these activities. My Department also supports a number of national anti-litter initiatives including the National Spring Clean Campaign, the Green Schools Programme and the Irish Business Against Litter League (IBAL).
