Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
120. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when funding will be provided to local authorities to allow them pay the 2020 adopt a road payments to community groups who clean up and maintain bottle banks and villages nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42049/20]
View answerFunding under the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS) includes provision for the engagement of community groups in litter clean-ups in villages and towns nationwide.
Funding is available for Local Authorities who have incurred expenditure in respect of these types of activities in 2020. Traditionally the ALAGs is announced in July after which time Local Authorities engage with community groups in litter clean ups. In August I made available an allocation of €744,739 for these activities.
A number of Local Authorities indicated that they were in a position to commence ALAG activity in their regions and as a result some Local Authorities have incurred expenditure under the 2020 Scheme. Other Local Authorities experiencing different levels of Covid restriction since August have yet to commence ALAG activity. I would like to allow all Local Authorities to fully engage in the scheme and draw down any monies due for this activity. Considering the unusual circumstances I am considering extending the closing date for the 2020 ALAGS until the end of Q1 2021.
