Sir, - Before summer I seem to remember Noel Dempsey announcing that we could have a 10p charge on plastic bags by September. It seemed as if finally this Government was taking the issue seriously.
Alas, all seems to have gone quiet. With Christmas shopping now high on the agendas, Ireland's many "conspicuous consumers" will be out in force. Retailers will want to see their branded bags in the streets so millions of plastic bags will be given out in the next few weeks. They will find their way onto our roads and rivers, trees and fences, causing a blot on the landscape.
Some retailers have made a small and largely unsuccessful effort to change people's habits. Shoppers themselves, however, can make a positive impact on the problem. Until a levy is introduced, readers of The Irish Times might consider taking the simple measure of bringing a bag or two (plastic or otherwise) into town for the Christmas presents and groceries. It's a pretty simple solution to an ever-worsening problem. - Yours, etc.,
Niall O'Sullivan, Coolballow, Wexford.