Dublin Corporation has launched a £1 million initiative on combating the problem of litter. The Corporation has also warned that it expects to prosecute up to 5,000 people this year for litter offences.
Cigarette butts, chewing gum, sweet papers, bottles, fast food cartons and plastic bags are the most common items found among the 30,000 tonnes of litter picked up from the streets of the capital each year. The litter clean-up is costing Dublin Corporation £11 million annually.
As a result of the new initiative, 20 litter wardens will hit the streets of Dublin after Easter. Two years ago there was just one full-time and one part-time litter warden. Dublin Corporation has also doubled the number of its “green machines”. There are now 30 of them to hoover and brush the streets.
On-the-spot fines of £25 are to be introduced along with fines of up to £1500 for people who are taken to court for more serious offences. Dublin Corporation says there will be an average of 30 prosecutions a week this coming year.
In addition, a free-phone hotline has been established for people who want to make complaints about litter or report other people. The number is 1800 25 1500.
