Sir, - Anne O'Flaherty invited me (March 23rd) to let you know what I intend "to do about our filthy streets". The question itself illustrates the single greatest problem facing us in tackling this problem - the fact that everybody feels it is somebody else's responsibility.
My role and the role of the Department in relation to litter is in the area of policy and legislation. I have clearly enunciated policy on this matter ad nauseam since my appointment as Minister. The legislation to tackle litter pollution is in place thanks to the very comprehensive Litter Pollution Act, put in place by my predecessor.
Responsibility for ensuring the Act is enforced rests directly with the local authorities and the Garda. Department officials, Minister of State Wallace and myself have regularly emphasised to the local authorities the importance of implementing the Act fully.
There is evidence which I will provide to Ms O'Flaherty to indicate improved local authority performance in this area over the past 12 months, but much more needs to be done, although it should be noted that over £20 million was spent by local authorities on tackling the problem last year.
Since I became Opposition Spokesman for the Environment, I have continuously highlighted this problem. As Minister I have actively supported many initiatives to tackle this blight on our image, provided extra money for anti-litter activities and highlighted this issue at every available opportunity.
I will continue to do so through new initiatives including support for National Spring Clean, Tidy Towns, and the development of a national litter pollution monitoring system to assess local authority litter management and enforcement action and which will be operational within the next few months.
I look forward to continued active support from Ms O'Flaherty and every other citizen of this State who wants to "make a difference to our environment". - Yours, etc., Noel Dempsey, TD, Minister for the Environment and Local Government,
Custom House, Dublin 1.