- Does the Council issue litter fines?
- How much is a litter fine?
- When did the on-the-spot fine increase to €150?
- Is it the same amount for a fine for large-scale illegal dumping as for discarding a cigarette butt?
- How long have I to pay the litter fine?
- What happens if I don’t pay the fine?
- How can I appeal the litter fine?
- If I report an incident of illegal dumping/littering, is the information confidential?
- What is the next step if I report a littering/illegal dumping activity?
- What is the maximum fine imposed for littering?
- Does the Council support National Spring Clean?
1) Does the Council issue litter fines?
Yes. The Council is responsible for implementing the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2003. The on-the-spot fine is €150. If a vehicle is used when a litter offence is committed, the registered owner is deemed liable for the fine. It is Council policy to refer all unpaid fines for legal action. The Council can take a direct prosecution to court in this case, or if the littering is more serious. The maximum fine that can be imposed by the court is €3000. Persons reporting littering incidents should be willing to appear as witnesses for the Council in the event that the case goes to court, as the Council will not take a prosecution if there is no witness. You can report littering offences to our freephone litter hotline 1800 32 32 30
2) How much is a litter fine?
A litter fine is €150.
3) When did the on-the-spot fine increase to €150?
The fine increased from €125 to €150 on Sunday 30 September 2007.
4) Is it the same amount for a fine for large-scale illegal dumping as for discarding a cigarette butt?
A litter fine can be issued for something small like cigarette butts and/or chewing gum. Larger scale instances are dealt with on a case by case basis. If clean up costs are also included in the fine, it will cost more than €150
5) How long have I to pay the litter fine?
21 days. Fines can be paid on line on the Let Us Help section of the website, or by visiting the Cash Office in Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise between 9.30am to 3.30pm.
6) What happens if I don’t pay the fine?
If you do not pay the fine you will get a 7 day reminder notice. If you fail to pay the fine, you will be issued a Court summons. In Court, you may have to pay a higher fine and court costs.
7) How can I appeal the litter fine?
You can contact the Environment Section of Laois County Council and discuss the case with either Dorothy Fitzpatrick or Martina Bracken, Administrative Officer.
8) If I report an incident of illegal dumping/littering, is the information confidential?
Yes, Laois County Council operate a free phone confidential litter hotline number 1800 323230. Your information will never be disclosed to anyone else.
9) What is the next step if I report a littering/illegal dumping activity?
Please ensure that you leave your name and telephone number as the Litter Wardens may need to contact you to get further details.
10) What is the maximum fine imposed for littering?
An on the spot fine is €150 but this can increase if a Court fine is issued.
11) Does the Council support National Spring Clean?
The Council supports this national initiative through the provision of bags, gloves and litter-pickers as we run a complementary programme called ‘Clean Up Laois Week’. The Council will also undertake subsequent waste removal for organised clean up events. Groups should register with An Taisce, (01 4002220/e-mail: nsc@antaisce.org) AND the Council (057 8664000/email: cleanupweek@laoiscoco.ie). You will receive a special pack to assist in the cleanup. It is held annually in April.