Sir, - The question still remains: has the Government the political will to tackle seriously this country's litter problem by enforcement of the law, in spite of the announcement by the junior Environment Minister, Mr Dan Wallace, that it is to spend £350,000 on public awareness of litter pollution?
People who litter already know that they shouldn't. So telling them again will yield little.
Citizens know where the Government stands in relation to drink driving and illegal parking - especially in Dublin. Yet the Litter Act is broken every time a person drops or dumps litter, and when the owners of property fail to keep the surrounding pavements and all visible areas free of litter. Widely identified black spots include fast food outlets, bus stops, railway stations, schools, building sites, and outdoor sports and entertainment promotions.
It is revealing to note that last year, in 51 local authority areas, not a single on-the-spot fine was issued.
To demonstrate its commitment to solving the litter problem, the Government must enforce the litter laws. If the Government is serious, we in IBAL will offer practical support. - Yours, etc., Tom Cavanagh,
Chairman,
Irish Business Against Litter,
Upper Fitzwilliam Street,
Dublin 2.