Minister of State Alan Dillon will raise on-the-spot litter penalties to €250 from 1 September 2026 and has unveiled a €250,000 fund to help councils keep public spaces clean, as the latest national survey reports continuing improvements.

Announcing the measures on 2 July 2026, the Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy set out a package to back cleaner communities. The move coincides with publication of the 2025 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) results, which indicate further progress on litter levels across Ireland.

The new fund, drawn from the Circular Economy Fund, will assist local authorities in purchasing additional dog waste bins, bag dispensers and related infrastructure for parks, beaches, greenways and other busy dog-walking areas. A circular will issue to councils shortly with application details.

Announcing the measures, Minister Dillon said: "People are rightly proud of their local communities, but one issue I consistently hear about is litter, including dog fouling. This new €250,000 fund will help local authorities provide additional dog waste bins and related infrastructure where it is needed most. We want to make it easier for responsible dog owners to do the right thing and help keep our parks, beaches and public spaces clean." Minister Dillon confirmed he has signed the commencement order providing for a substantial increase in fixed-payment on-the-spot fines for littering, rising from €150 to €250 on 1 September 2026. He signed the order for Section 36 of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 on 17 June 2026. The Minister added: "There must be consequences for littering. Those who drop litter impose costs on communities, local authorities and taxpayers. The increase in fines sends a clear message that littering is unacceptable and that the polluter must pay. Most people dispose of their waste responsibly. It is unfair that the actions of a small minority can spoil public spaces for everyone else."

He also welcomed a new nationwide anti-litter awareness drive – 'Bin it or bring it home' – led by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and supported by the Department. The Minister explained: "Enforcement is important, but education and awareness are equally important. The message is simple: if there is not a bin nearby, take your litter home. The same applies to dog waste. Every one of us has a role to play in keeping Ireland clean."

The NLPMS, which has tracked litter trends since 1999, shows continued gains in 2025. It found that 20.6% of surveyed locations were unpolluted, up from 19.2% in 2024; moderately polluted sites dropped from 17.4% to 13.3%; and significantly polluted areas declined from 3.0% to 2.6%. The data also highlight the need for ongoing action: passing pedestrians account for 39% of litter nationally, while passing motorists are responsible for almost one-fifth. Commenting on the results, the Minister said: "The results show that our collective efforts are making a difference, but they also remind us that litter remains largely a behavioural issue. The overwhelming majority of litter comes from everyday actions that are entirely avoidable. Cleaner communities don't happen by accident. They happen because people take responsibility for their actions and because local authorities, communities and Government work together."

Dillon said the combination of tougher enforcement, targeted investment and sustained public awareness will underpin further improvements and advance wider circular economy goals. He noted that cleaner streets, parks and beaches enhance quality of life, bolster tourism, protect biodiversity and strengthen community pride. He concluded: "Through higher fines, improved infrastructure and sustained public awareness, we are taking practical steps to build cleaner, healthier and more attractive communities throughout Ireland."