Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
98. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions he will take to support local authorities to address the issue of cigarette butt litter following the enaction of legislation (details supplied); if a ring-fenced grant can be made available to support the purchase of small road sweepers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14081/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
Since January 2023, producers of certain single-use plastic items (including tobacco filters) are required to contribute to the cost of cleaning up litter arising from their products under the Single Use Plastics Directive. Guidance on how to calculate these costs is currently being developed by the European Commission. Pending that guidance, my Department is working with the relevant producer organisations to determine 2023 contributions.
My Department already 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.
