Penalise litterbug motorists: council
Kerry County Council unanimously agreed to a proposal by Independent councillor Michael Gleeson, who said it was sad to see littering continuing at a high level.
A huge amount of litter found on roadsides was thrown from passing vehicles, he said.
“Littering is damaging both the local and national economy and I believe it’s time the offence was added to the penalty points list for drivers,” said Mr Gleeson, of the South Kerry Independent Alliance.
Fianna Fáil councillor John Brassil said the proposal should be given serious consideration at government level and implemented nationally.
A number of councillors claimed a huge amount of roadside littering, including packaging from takeaway outlets, was particularly evident at weekends, especially on the outskirts of towns.
“People just throw the packaging out of cars when they’ve finished eating chips, or whatever, as anyone living along a national road a few miles outside a town knows,” said Fine Gael councillor Pat McCarthy.
Director of environmental services Oliver Ring said people who saw litter being thrown out of cars should give registration numbers to the council, which could fine or prosecute alleged offenders. “One of the main causes of littering is from motorists,” said Mr Ring.
The proposal is to be forwarded to relevant government departments and road safety bodies.
The number of cases of illegal dumping reported and investigated in Kerry fell from 501 to 405, between 2011 and 2012, according to a report to the council.
Mr Ring attributed the reduction to the use of hidden cameras at well-known dumping blackspots, along with signs announcing the surveillance.
“Littering is a persistent problem in Kerry but it is most important Kerry is kept clean given the importance, of tourism to the county,” said Mr Ring.
The public, however, was becoming more vigilant and people should police their own areas with regard to littering, he urged.
