Sir, - It is sad to see some visitors to Ireland leaving with such critical views of our litter problem. However, the unfortunate fact is that they are correct. Since its enactment, the 1997 Litter Act has simply been ignored. There seems to be little concern or commitment among the authorities to enforce it.
The Irish tourist industry can never reach its full potential if we allow ourselves to litter our streets, beaches and countryside. The product must measure up to the description.
We in Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) have been working with local authorities in Waterford over the past 12 months. We have learnt that the job can be done, but only if the law is enforced with courage and commitment.
The Fianna Fail pre-election position paper of February 1997, entitled "Litter & the Environment" stated that:
Thousand of complaints about litter are made each year to Bord Failte.
Litter is a national scandal.
155,000 jobs outside agriculture depend on a clean environment.
The perception of Ireland as a green land continues - but for how long, when visitors are faced with the litter that pervades our cities and countryside?
A radical and innovative policy is needed to finally deal with the litter problem.
The excellent position paper went on to detail everything that should be done. But so far the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, has failed to act. Why? - Yours, etc., (Dr) Tom Cavanagh,
Chairman, Irish Business Against Litter, Westland Square, Dublin 2.