“Fining people should be a last resort.”
Smoking lobbyists have called on the government not to target smokers following reports that Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten intends to increase the existing on-the-spot litter fine by €100.
The current fine, issued by either an appointed litter warden or a member of An Garda Síochána, is €150. Naughten’s new proposal would see it rise to €250.
The Minister’s stance arrives following the publishing of the 2017 National Litter Pollution Report on Monday. The study reveals that cigarette butts account for more than half of the litter on Irish streets.
Cigarette-related litter makes up over 56% of litter in towns and communities nationwide. The report, which details the extent, causes and composition of litter across Ireland, shows an increase in cigarette-based litter when compared to the previous year.
“Each of us has personal responsibility and a role to play in keeping the towns, villages and cities we live in litter free,” said Minister Naughten.
“Smokers in particular can bring about a significant improvement in the litter situation through relatively minor behavioural changes. Everyone must accept that, ultimately, it is their own actions that will ensure whether or not we live in a litter free environment.”
Naughten added that “there is more work to be done” to ensure that the environment is protected from litter.
“We need to focus our efforts to maintain the improving standards being achieved across the country,” he said. “A combination of awareness, education and enforcement is required in order to successfully combat our litter challenges.”
Responding to the Minister’s remarks is John Mallon, spokesman for smokers’ lobby group Forest Ireland, who has urged the government not to target smokers in the wake of the report.
“We don’t condone littering but it would be unfair to single out smokers,” says Mallon.
“Smokers should take greater responsibility for how and where they dispose of their cigarette butts but they need some assistance.
“Instead, many local authorities fail to provide cigarette bins in the belief that it normalises smoking. They can’t have it both ways.”
Mallon goes on to point out that littering in general is a national problem.
“It’s not just about cigarette butts. It’s also about chewing gum, sweet wrappers, drinks cans and fast-food cartons.
“Education and the provision of suitable litter bins are the key. Fining people should be a last resort.”
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