Projects gain €10m from plastic bag levy

THE plastic bag levy, introduced a year ago today, has provided almost €10m in funds for environmental projects.

The levy, which is based on the polluter-pays principle, has proved so successful that the Government is considering introducing similar levies for products such as chewing gum and certain types of packaging.

Use of the bags has dropped by 90% since the levy was introduced and has inspired similar schemes in other countries. However, Environment Minister Martin Cullen warned yesterday a small number of shops risked major fines by continuing to provide free plastic bags to customers: “While most retailers are applying the levy correctly, it is clear a small number are continuing to ignore or misapply the provisions of the regulations which impose the levy. We do not want to let the thoughtlessness of a minority undermine the efforts and goodwill of the majority. Any retailer who fails to impose the levy is doing a disservice to consumers who have been very supportive of this initiative.”