Laois County Council - Environment FAQ

Environment FAQ - Litter

1) Does the Council issue litter fines?

2) How much is a litter fine?

3) When did the on-the-spot fine increase to €150?

4) Is it the same amount for a fine for large-scale illegal dumping as for discarding a cigarette butt?

5) How long have I to pay the litter fine?

6) What happens if I don't pay the fine?

7) How can I appeal the litter fine?

8)If I report an incident of illegal dumping/littering, is the information confidential?

9) What is the next step if I report a littering/illegal dumping activity?

10) What is the maximum fine imposed for littering?

11)Does the Council have a scheme to sponsor litter bins?

12) Does the Council support National Spring Clean?

1) Does the Council issue litter fines?

Yes. The Council is responsible for implementing the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2003. The on-the-spot fine is €150. If a vehicle is used when a litter offence is committed, the registered owner is deemed liable for the fine. It is Council policy to refer all unpaid fines for legal action. The Council can take a direct prosecution to court in this case, or if the littering is more serious. The maximum fine that can be imposed by the court is €3000. Persons reporting littering incidents should be willing to appear as witnesses for the Council in the event that the case goes to court, as the Council will not take a prosecution if there is no witness. You can report littering offences to our freephone litter hotline 1800 32 32 30

2) How much is a litter fine?

A litter fine is €150.

3) When did the on-the-spot fine increase to €150?

The fine increased from €125 to €150 on Sunday 30 September 2007.

4) Is it the same amount for a fine for large-scale illegal dumping as for discarding a cigarette butt?

A litter fine can be issued for something small like cigarette butts and/or chewing gum. Larger scale instances are dealt with on a case by case basis. If clean up costs are also included in the fine, it will cost more than €150

5) How long have I to pay the litter fine?

21 days. Fines can be paid on line on the Pay for IT section of the website, or by visiting the Cash Office in Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise between 9.30am to 3.30pm.

6) What happens if I don't pay the fine?

If you do not pay the fine you will get a 7 day reminder notice. If you fail to pay the fine, you will be issued a Court summons. In Court, you may have to pay a higher fine and court costs.

7) How can I appeal the litter fine?

You can contact the Environment Section of Laois County Council and discuss the case with either Dorothy Fitzpatrick or Colette O’Rourke.

8) If I report an incident of illegal dumping/littering, is the information confidential?

Yes, Laois County Council operate a free phone confidential litter hotline number 1800 323230. Your information will never be disclosed to anyone else.

9) What is the next step if I report a littering/illegal dumping activity?

Please ensure that you leave your name and telephone number as the Litter Wardens may need to contact you to get further details.

10) What is the maximum fine imposed for littering?

An on the spot fine is €150 but this can increase if a Court fine is issued.

11) Does the Council have a scheme to sponsor litter bins?

Yes. The Council can provide grant-aid of 75% (€750 maximum) to residents associations, community groups etc. towards the cost of purchasing litterbins. The Area Engineer must approve the bin type and proposed location in advance of purchase, and will usually install the bins when they are delivered. If the Council is not in a position to install the bins, a grant of 75% will be paid (maximum €750) to enable the applicants to pay for installation. The Council does not empty bins provided by this scheme as part of the regular street sweeping programme, but will supply a wheel-bin free of charge to enable the applicants to service the bins as necessary (see sponsored wheel bins scheme). There is an application form for the scheme in the forms section.

12) Does the Council support National Spring Clean?

The Council supports this national initiative through the provision of bags, gloves and litter-pickers . The Council will also undertake subsequent waste removal for organised clean up events. Groups should register first with An Taisce , tel.: 01 4002220 fax: 01 454 1802, e-mail: nsc@antaisce.org. You will receive a special pack to assist in the cleanup. It is held during the month of April.