Single-use plastics ban: Plague of plastic must be curbed

Earlier this year, the EU announced a crackdown on single-use plastics to confront the pollution, especially marine pollution, which is increasingly recognised as a threat to marine life and human health.

Last week it was announced that Communications Minister Denis Naughten will bring proposals to Cabinet to outlaw single-use plastics in any State-owned body or building. There will be exceptions if single-use plastics are used for medical or hygiene purposes. A decision on a levy at supplier and consumer stages has not been made even though such a measure contributed greatly to the success of the campaign to reduce plastic bag use introduced in 2002. Ireland is one of 30 countries to support such a measure.