“Fostering respect for local communities” - Mayo minister announcing higher fines for littering and dog fouling
Spot fines to rise from €150 to €250 in September as the Government launches €3 million Anti-Dumping Initiative for 2026
Mayo Minister Alan Dillon earlier today announced increased on-the-spot fines for littering and dog fouling alongside the launch of the 2026 Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI), aimed at tackling illegal dumping and improving public spaces nationwide.
Under the new measures, fines for littering and dog fouling will rise from €150 to €250 from September 1, 2026.
Minister Dillon said the increase represents a strong step towards protecting towns, villages, parks and public amenities while reinforcing civic responsibility and environmental awareness.
“Increasing fines for littering and dog fouling will act as a stronger deterrent,” he said. “It will encourage greater compliance and promote more responsible behaviour.”
“The measure also supports the efforts of community volunteers, environmental groups and local authority staff who work tirelessly to maintain cleaner, safer and more welcoming neighbourhoods.”
The Fine Gael Minister said littering and dog fouling continue to place significant financial pressure on local authorities, businesses and taxpayers through clean-up and maintenance costs.
He added that stronger enforcement measures would help reduce anti-social behaviour and contribute to cleaner and healthier communities.
The announcement coincided with the launch of the 2026 Anti-Dumping Initiative, which marks its tenth year in operation.
Funded through the Circular Economy Fund, the initiative supports local authorities, community groups and State agencies in tackling illegal dumping and waste-related environmental damage.
Minister Dillon confirmed that €3 million in funding will be made available for the 2026 scheme.
Since the initiative was established in 2017, more than €23 million has been allocated to over 2,200 anti-dumping projects nationwide, resulting in the removal of more than 26,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste.
“I am delighted to mark the tenth anniversary of the Anti-Dumping Initiative,” Minister Dillon said. “Over the course of the last decade, the local authority sector has taken huge strides in tackling the issue of illegal dumping and the ADI has played a key role in these efforts.”
Typical projects include community clean-up operations, bulky waste collection initiatives, awareness campaigns, installation of signage and fencing at dumping blackspots, and the purchase of enforcement technology such as CCTV systems and drones for waste enforcement officers.
The initiative also supports circular economy projects involving the refurbishment and reuse of items such as bicycles and furniture.
In addition to ADI funding, the Department is providing €7.7 million in 2026 through the Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme to support local authority waste enforcement staff and regional waste enforcement bodies.
Minister Dillon praised local communities for their ongoing role in identifying and reporting illegal dumping and assisting with clean-up efforts.
“Much work has been done, but we cannot afford to become complacent,” he said. “We must continue to strive in our efforts to identify the perpetrators and ensure that they face the full consequence of their actions. Illegal waste activity in any form cannot and will not be accepted.”
Further details on projects supported under the initiative are available through the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.