Litter 'becoming an epidemic'

Littering of roadsides in Tipperary is "becoming an epidemic", Cllr Noel Coonan told a recent meeting of the county Joint Policing Committee.

He wanted to know what role the gardaí play in litter fines and prosecutions. Cllr Coonan said the problem becomes more evident at this time of year when verges are cut, and "beauty is dying where litter is lying".

Chief Superintendent Colm O'Sullivan said litter prosecutions are primarily a county council function and the gardaí help where they can. Gardaí take action if they observe anyone littering but investigations after litter is discovered are the responsibility of the local authority. The gardaí report incidents to the council and the latter authority issues fines.