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Local Authorities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2021

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Ceisteanna (111)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

111. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports and funding available to local authorities for litter and cleansing measures in particular in 2021 to facilitate an outdoor summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29367/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I recently announced the provision of an additional €5m in funding for litter prevention and clean up in 2021, as the country prepares for an outdoor summer due to the ongoing Covid situation. This additional funding will support inter alia: - the provision of quality litter picking materials such as litter pickers, gloves and bags;

- immediate mapping of existing levels of on-street infrastructure (bins and dog-fouling receptacles) and the urgent provision and immediate roll-out of additional infrastructure to address any gaps identified;

- potential support for the servicing of on-street infrastructure;

- additional education and awareness efforts

A circular has issued to each local authority regarding this additional €5 million funding - on top of funding provided under the Anti Dumping Initiative and Anti Litter and Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme - and the Department is liaising with individual local authorities to establish a platform for funding proposals and to identify where additional infrastructure is most needed.  Each local authority has now appointed a lead person to liaise with the Department regarding the new scheme and a questionnaire  has issued to each lead, requesting a range of information relating to their existing litter infrastructure, clean up and awareness  activities. The responses to this questionnaire and  the ongoing discussions between the Department and the local authority sector will inform the design of the scheme and a further Circular will issue informing local authorities of the details and their individual allocations shortly. While these measures are intended to support anti littering activities and support an outdoor summer to be enjoyed by all citizens, there remains a fundamental onus on all of us to make a conscious effort to leave no trace.

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