TV ad bid to cut plastic bag waste

Government efforts to end the plastic bag litter menace were tonight reaching TV screens.

An advertising campaign outlining plans for a 15 cent levy on all plastic bags distributed at shops and other outlets from March 4, was scheduled to go on for a month.

Environment Minister Noel Dempsey, who has led the Government bid to reduce plastic waste, said the levy was expected to dramatically reduce the nuisance.

The advertisement features a dog surrounded by a ‘‘storm’’ of plastic bag litter, highlighting what Mr Dempsey called ‘‘our insatiable use of free plastic bags’’.

It is to be shown on RTE 1, Network 2, TV3, TG4 and Sky TV, and will be backed up by a billboard campaign as well as the distribution of posters and information leaflets to retailers to help them explain the new bag regime to customers.

Information about the levy will also be available on the website www.10steps.ie.

TheRevenue Commissioners, who will be responsible for the collection of the revenue from retailers, are to issue separate information details outlining the obligations of shops and stores.