Litter debate puts spotlight on local businesses

Should businesses be forced by law to to keep the immediate area, and up to 100 metres of their pemises, litter free?

That was the question posed by Fine Gael Cllr Maria Murphy at a meeting of Meath County Council and her call met with a mixed response from councillor colleagues. Legislation is already in force requiring businesses to have surrounding areas clean. This was confirmed by council officials who said that the Litter Pollution Act 1997 was the relevant legislation.

The council said it was its policy to issue fines for littering and this also included businesses which were non-compliant with the 100-metre legislation.

In addition to enforcement, the council also encourages individuals and businesses to prevent littering.

Cllr Murphy said that some businesses were unaware that they need to keep the surrounding area clear of litter. “We need to keep on top of this problem”, she said, “there has been a lot of littering over the past few years”.

She thanked the Council chief executive for increasing the number of bin collections in Cllr Murphy’s area.

Cllr Alan Tobin said that if a cleaner environment is created along with a good atmosphere, people will want to visit that area.

Sinn Fein Cllr Aisling O’Neill said that some areas like Waterford encouraged the locating of signs coming into the city welcoming people but asking them to refrain from littering. Independent Cllr Nick Killian asked how many fines had been issued to businesses in the last year and how many of these had been paid. He praised the three wardens for the “great work” they were doing.

Fianna Fail Cllr Tom Behan said that most businesses complied with the litter laws. All local businesses could do with any support they could get, especially in the present climate.

Council environmental officer Larry Whelan said that the three litter wardens were very active in the county. In addition, the council was also looking at a media campaign on littering. He said that unauthorised signage was a problem for the Council. When they were put up, the Council moved as quickly as possible to have them removed.