Littering fines to go up under overhauled pollution laws

Environment Minister Denis Naughten is planning to hike fines for littering under the Litter Pollution Act, The Irish Times reports.

The maximum fine following conviction on indictment will increase from €130,000 to €150,000, a departmental memo reveals.

Those convicted on a summary offence will see their fine increase from €4,000 to €5,000.

In cases where littering persists after conviction, daily fines of €15,000 (up from €10,000) can be levied following a conviction on indictment, and a maximum of €1,000 per day following summary conviction.

There will also be a “substantial” increase in the €150 on-the-spot fine.

The proposals will be put to Cabinet for approval before legislation is drafted and brought before the Oireachtas by Mr Naughten.