The Labour Party foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Michael D. Higgins, has warned that new anti-litter by-laws proposed by Galway City Council represent a threat to civil liberties and the right to freedom of expression, writes Lorna Siggins in Galway.
The draft by-laws, which have been drawn up under the 1977 Litter Pollution Act, propose an outright ban on distribution of leaflets and handbills advertising events. The proposed fine for breaches is €200, but the ban will be relaxed during election and referendum periods.
Mr Higgins, former minister and Labour TD for Galway West, said the draft legislation was anti-democratic, unnecessary and in breach of the principles of international law. Anti-litter iniatives should not used to stifle freedom of expression, he said.
Galway City Council is seeking submissions up to July 18th on the draft by-laws, which were advertised in late May. Mr John Tierney, the Galway city manager, said the local authority had a serious problem with litter caused by leaflets distributed in public, particularly at night.