Anti-Litter Initiative
Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, recently announced plans to increase on-the spot fines for littering and dog fouling and launched the 2026 Anti-Dumping Initiative.
This represents a strong and necessary step towards protecting Ireland’s towns, villages, parks, and public spaces. Higher penalties send a clear message that environmental neglect and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, while reinforcing the importance of civic pride and shared responsibility within communities across the country.
Litter and dog fouling continue to impose significant costs on local authorities, businesses, and taxpayers resulting in the need for substantial public resources for clean-up operations and maintenance. Beyond the financial impact, these issues damage the appearance of communities, discourage tourism, create health hazards, and reduce the enjoyment of public amenities for families, children, and older people. Greater enforcement against those who litter will not only reduce litter but act as a deterrent to others from littering, creating cleaner communities.
Commenting on the increases, Minister Dillon said:
“Increasing fines for littering and dog fouling will act as a stronger deterrent. It will encourage greater compliance and promote more responsible behaviour. The measure also supports the efforts of community volunteers, environmental groups, and local authority staff – who work tirelessly to maintain cleaner, safer and more welcoming neighbourhoods. By strengthening enforcement measures and encouraging behavioural change, the increased fines will contribute to a cleaner environment, improved public health and a better quality of life for everyone. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting public spaces and fostering respect for the environment and local communities.”
The department is committed to supporting the efforts of the three Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities, as well as front-line local authority waste enforcement staff in tackling illegal waste activity. In addition to ADI funding, the department provides substantial support for the sector through the Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme – to engage, train, and retain specialised enforcement staff with €7.7 million allocated to the scheme in 2026.
Tenth year of Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI)
This is the tenth year of the ADI which is funded by the department through the Circular Economy Fund to support the local authority sector to take action in conjunction with local communities and other State Agencies to tackle the problem of illegal dumping across the country.
Minister Dillon said:
“I am delighted to mark the tenth anniversary of the Anti-Dumping Initiative. Over the course of the last decade, the local authority sector has taken huge strides in tackling the issue of illegal dumping and the ADI has played a key role in these efforts. Since its introduction in 2017, my department has provided over €23 million in support of the ADI which has resulted in the completion of over 2,200 anti-dumping projects nationwide and the removal of over 26,000 tonnes of illegally dumped material from our landscapes. I am pleased to announce today that further funding of €3 million will be made available in support of the 2026 ADI.”
4 key areas – Prevention, Abatement, Education and Enforcement
Projects supported under the ADI focus on 4 key areas – prevention, abatement, education and enforcement. Typically, approved projects under ADI include clean-up operations, household bulky waste initiatives, awareness campaigns, preventative measures such as the installation of signage and fencing at known dumping blackspots, and the purchase of enforcement equipment for Waste Enforcement Officers, including CCTV and drones. Innovative projects, which recognise waste as a resource that can be re-purposed for use in a Circular Economy – such as the collection and refurbishment of bikes and furniture, are also encouraged under the ADI.
Minister Dillon concluded by saying:
“Local communities have been central to the success of anti-dumping and littering initiatives over the years. Their efforts in identifying and reporting issues as they arise and their assistance in working with local authorities to clean up and maintain areas blighted by this problem are key. Much work has been done, but we cannot afford to become complacent, we must continue to strive in our efforts to identify the perpetrators and ensure that they face the full consequence of their actions. Illegal waste activity in any form cannot and will not be accepted. My department will continue to resource the local authority sector to deal with these issues as they arise.”
Downloadable Assets
Assets like the one below and more can be freely downloaded for use by local authorities here.
