Increase litter fines in Dublin city centre – Lord Mayor

Local authorities, including Dublin City Council, should increase litter fines to discourage littering in our towns and cities, said the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Councillor Ray McAdam said the Environment(Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will give scope to increase on the spot fines for littering from €150 to €250 and councils must introduce these increases as soon as possible.

“As Lord Mayor, I’m keen to see a regeneration of our capital city. A huge part of this is ensuring the city centre is clean, safe and welcoming for all."

“Litter is a huge issue right across the city centre and we must take stronger steps to tackle it."

“We want to have pride in our city centre, and we can’t do this if some people refuse to respect our environment.”

Once the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is signed into law it will give greater scope to increase on the spot fines for littering from €150 to €250.

The bill has passed all stages in the Oireachtas and is now with President Connolly to be signed. The Lord Mayor has encouraged all local authorities to increase fines once this is signed into law.

“Dublin City Council have taken action by employing extra waste management staff, increasing the number of streets that are cleaned on a 24-hour basis, and appointing new litter wardens. This helps clean up the litter, but we must also look at preventing littering in the first place."

“The current fines are not sufficient to dissuade people from littering. We must increase the maximum on the spot fine to €250."

“Volunteers right across the country work hard to keep our communities clean, and this is undermined by people who litter without care for the environment or community."

“We have to get tough on this. We must take the opportunity now to increase these fines and send a clear message that littering will not be tolerated."

“Stronger fines will help ensure our city centre is respected and kept clean for everyone,” concluded the Lord Mayor.

ENDS