Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
155. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if funding can be provided to a local authority (details supplied) in order to upgrade litter bins and provide additional litter bins in an area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9835/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaste management planning, including with regard to infrastructure provision such as public waste bins, is the responsibility of local authorities under Part II of the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended). Under section 60(3) of that Act, as Minister for the Environment, Climate & Communications, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance, in specific cases, by a local authority of their statutory functions under the Act. As such, the provision of public waste bins is a matter for each local authority within its functional area.
My Department provides significant annual funding to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. €750,000 was provided under this Scheme in 2023 with a similar amount expected to be made available in 2024. This funding allows local authorities to support local community and environmental groups in their efforts to promote greater public awareness and education in relation to litter and/or graffiti while also supporting community clean ups etc.
