Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
793. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent of powers and obligations which local authorities have to control litter and illegal dumping of household waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14430/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraActions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency. My Department provides a legislative and policy framework through which the enforcement authorities operate in this regard. Penalties available under the Litter Pollution Acts for litter offences range from an on-the-spot fine of €150, to a maximum fine of €3,000 on summary conviction, and a maximum fine of €130,000 on conviction on indictment. The fines for continuing offences are €600 per day for summary offences and €10,000 per day for indictable offences. A person convicted of a litter offence may also be required by the court to pay the local authority’s costs and expenses in investigating the offence and bringing the prosecution. Penalties for more serious dumping offences available under the Waste Management Acts are also substantial. Persons who are found to be responsible for, or involved in, the unauthorised disposal of waste are liable to a maximum fine of €3,000 on summary conviction and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months, and to a maximum fine of €15 million on conviction on indictment and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years. It is at the discretion of the local authorities, which have responsibilities for enforcement of both the Litter Pollution Act and the Waste Management Act, to decide whether a specific incident warrants the application of either Act.
I intend to introduce legislation soon to significantly reform the regulation of household waste collection, including introducing measures to require householders to demonstrate how they are managing their household waste. It is my intention that an awareness and education campaign will be rolled out in advance of this measure and other significant reforms, including the introduction of weight-based charges for household collection , to allow householders an appropriate period to be informed and become familiar with the new regime applying to household waste collection.
