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Local authorities will receive a total of E2.15m to tackle litter and graffiti, Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government said today.

He is allocating E900,000 under the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme, for public education and awareness initiatives in relation to both litter and graffiti, E750,000 for a new Litter Enforcement Scheme, and a further E500,000 under the Tourist Season Anti-Litter Grant Scheme. "These supports will help local authorities tackle the problem of litter through awareness raising, enforcement and the maintenance of key tourist areas," said the Minister.

The grants to city and county councils under the Awareness Scheme cover a broad range of measures to raise public awareness and promote anti-litter and anti-graffiti activity at local level. There is a particular focus on involving schools, young people and voluntary initiatives by community groups.

The new Litter Enforcement Scheme is intended to support the enforcement activities of local authorities through such measures as the deployment of mobile CCTV equipment to catch fly tippers and illegal dumpers.

The E500,000 provided under the Tourist Season Scheme is intended to encourage local authorities to strive to ensure that key tourist attractions are well presented during the peak summer season.

In announcing the provision for 2012, Minister Hogan acknowledged the role being played by local authorities in tackling Ireland's litter problem. "Local authorities continue to contribute greatly to the ongoing decrease in litter pollution across the country, working together with the communities they serve. I want to assist councils in bringing those who undermine this excellent work to account."

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