Litter and Dog Fouling Fines Increase to €250 from September 1
On September 1, on-the-spot fines for litter and dog fouling will rise from €150 to €250. Minister Alan Dillon will also announce a €3 million investment in anti-dumping initiatives. However, Councillor Peter Horgan criticized the fine increase, citing an unworkable enforcement system and an impossible evidential burden for wardens.
On-the-spot fines for litter and dog fouling will increase by €100, from €150 to €250, effective September 1. Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon will announce these plans today.
Dillon will also announce a €3 million investment in anti-dumping initiatives across all local authorities, funding approximately 200 projects nationwide. These projects include clean-up operations, CCTV monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement initiatives.
However, Cork City Labour councillor Peter Horgan criticized the fine increase, stating it risks being ineffective without addressing the current unworkable enforcement system. Horgan highlighted that local authorities struggle to issue fines due to an impossible evidential burden, requiring wardens to witness the full offense, identify the individual, and rely on public willingness to go to court. He called for a shift towards practical enforcement measures and legislation to remove the current burden of proof.