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Enforcement is key to achieving even greater improvements in Ireland’s litter levels – Minister Gormley

06/10/08

Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, today (6 October 2008) announced the publication of the 2007 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Results.  The System provides important statistical data about the extent, causes and composition of litter in Ireland.

The 2007 results reveal that:
· There has been an increase in the percentage of areas displaying a high level of cleanliness (litter free or slightly littered) from 60.4% in 2006 to 63.6% in 2007.
· There has been a corresponding decrease in the percentage of both moderately (31.7% to 31.1%) and significantly (7.4% to 4.6%) polluted areas from 2006 to 2007.
· 0.7% of areas were grossly littered in 2007 as opposed to 0.6% in 2006
· Cigarette related litter (47%), food related litter (28%) and packaging litter (12%) were identified as the main constituents of litter nationally.
· Passing pedestrians (35.5%), passing motorists (17.8%), retail outlets (11.6%), gathering points (6.6%) and fast food outlets (6.4%) were identified as the main sources or causes of litter nationally.

Minister Gormley noted the publication of the results saying that, “The results show a gradual improvement in overall cleanliness levels, the percentage of areas classified as litter free or only slightly littered having increased by 3.2%, with a corresponding reduction in the percentage of more significantly polluted areas. This, taken together with the pattern in recent years, points to a steady reduction in litter levels across the country. But  we must  protect the gains of recent years and there is no room for complacency and one area where there is scope for improvement is in the area of enforcement.”

“I am anxious to see increased levels of enforcement  and I have  recently written to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochana requesting greater Gardaí involvement in enforcement action and to the Chief Executive of the Courts Service inviting suggestions to bring about more effective enforcement of existing litter legislation,” added Minister Gormley.

The Minister stressed the need for Irish people and groups to intensify their anti-litter initiatives further, saying, “Ireland still has a significant litter problem which I am committed to tackling. Nobody wants to live in a littered area, but only through the co-operation of all can we achieve the litter free status we desire. The role of local authorities is crucial in ensuring that those who litter our streets are made accountable. Enforcement levels, while improving each year, remain lower than I would wish.  In particular, the ratio of on-the-spot fines paid to those issued is disappointing, as is the ratio of convictions secured against prosecutions brought. I have written to all County and City Managers urging them to take steps to achieve greater payment and conviction rates. Enforcement of litter legislation is vital in the ongoing battle against litter.”

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