Litter Fines to Rise to €250 as New €250,000 Fund Targets Dog Fouling

Litter fines across Ireland will increase from €150 to €250 from 1 September 2026, alongside a new €250,000 fund to help local authorities tackle dog fouling and keep parks, beaches and greenways clean.

The Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, announced the package of measures today, timed to coincide with the publication of the 2025 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) results, which show continued improvements in litter levels nationwide.

The new fund, financed through the Circular Economy Fund, will support local authorities in purchasing additional dog waste bins, bag dispensers and related infrastructure in parks, beaches, greenways and other locations regularly used by dog owners. A circular will issue to local authorities in due course setting out how to apply for the funding.

Alan Dillon, Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy:

"People are rightly proud of their local communities, but one issue I consistently hear about is litter, including dog fouling. This new €250,000 fund will help local authorities provide additional dog waste bins and related infrastructure where it is needed most. We want to make it easier for responsible dog owners to do the right thing and help keep our parks, beaches and public spaces clean."

Minister Dillon confirmed he has signed the commencement order for Section 36 of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022, which provides for the fine increase. The order was signed on 17 June 2026, with the higher €250 fixed-payment on-the-spot fine coming into effect on 1 September 2026.

"There must be consequences for littering. Those who drop litter impose costs on communities, local authorities and taxpayers. The increase in fines sends a clear message that littering is unacceptable and that the polluter must pay. Most people dispose of their waste responsibly. It is unfair that the actions of a small minority can spoil public spaces for everyone else."

The Minister also welcomed the launch of a new nationwide anti-litter awareness campaign, "Bin it or bring it home," run by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices with support from the Department.

"Enforcement is important, but education and awareness are equally important. The message is simple: if there is not a bin nearby, take your litter home. The same applies to dog waste. Every one of us has a role to play in keeping Ireland clean."

The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System has tracked litter levels nationwide since 1999, drawing on more than 5,000 local authority surveys in 2025. This year's results show 20.6 per cent of surveyed locations were classified as unpolluted, up from 19.2 per cent in 2024. Moderately polluted areas fell significantly from 17.4 per cent to 13.3 per cent, while significantly polluted areas dropped from 3.0 per cent to 2.6 per cent.

The survey also found that passing pedestrians remain the single largest source of litter pollution, accounting for 39 per cent nationally, with passing motorists responsible for almost one fifth.

"The results show that our collective efforts are making a difference, but they also remind us that litter remains largely a behavioural issue. The overwhelming majority of litter comes from everyday actions that are entirely avoidable. Cleaner communities don't happen by accident. They happen because people take responsibility for their actions and because local authorities, communities and Government work together."

Minister Dillon said the combination of stronger enforcement, targeted investment and public awareness would help drive further improvements in litter levels and support the Government's wider circular economy objectives. He noted that cleaner streets, parks and beaches improve quality of life, support tourism, protect biodiversity and strengthen community pride.

"Through higher fines, improved infrastructure and sustained public awareness, we are taking practical steps to build cleaner, healthier and more attractive communities throughout Ireland."