22/04/2008

Dublin Council Clean Up This Town

Dublin City council are to enforce new laws to stop the littering outside Dublin's bars and takeaways.

Smokers who throw their butts on pavements outside pubs are being targeted in particular. The 2004 smoking ban has meant cigarette butts have become a major problem, and now account for some 56% of all litter.

Discarded packaging from takeaways will also be a focus on new by-laws being planned by Dublin City Council.

Assistant City Manager Matt Twomey said the new laws aimed to prevent and control litter in the vicinity of businesses that generate it.

He said in a report to councillors: "Our experience from both our street-cleaning operations and from litter surveys is that takeaway premises are very high generators of litter.

"It is also the case that cigarette litter is a major problem in the vicinity of licensed premises."

The new by-laws would mean that pubs and takeaways would have to ensure a 50-metre area around their premises was free of litter and stains.

They would also have to monitor the area at least once during each hourly period during opening hours.

A 'name and shame' method by the council will mean packaging from takeaways, including chip and sandwich vans, will all clearly bear their name and address to find the litter culprits.

Posters and flyer distributers will also feel the effects of the litter crackdown, and will face €250 permit costs.

Councillors are to consider the new laws at a committee meeting on Wednesday.

(DW/JM)

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