Ireland is set to introduce tougher penalties for littering, with on-the-spot fines increasing by €100 from September 1st 2026. The current fine of €150 will rise to €250 as part of a renewed effort to protect towns, villages, beaches, parks, green-ways and other shared public spaces.
Minister of State for the Circular Economy Mr Alan Dillon said the increase is intended to send a clear message that littering and dog fouling will not be tolerated. The move comes alongside the publication of the 2025 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System results, which show that litter levels across the country have improved.
New Support for Cleaner Communities.
A new €250,000 fund is also being introduced to help local authorities keep public areas clean. Councils will be able to apply for funding to support practical measures such as extra dog waste bins and bag dispensers in places where they are most needed. Here in Thurles, a few extra bins at the lower end of the public park and river walk might encourage people from dumping directly into the river Suir.
The aim is to make it easier for responsible dog owners to clean up after their pets and to reduce the amount of dog fouling in public spaces. Local authorities will receive a circular outlining how they can apply for the funding.
Dog Fouling Enforcement Under Review.
Dog fouling remains a major challenge, despite only 48 fines being issued nationwide last year. Minister Dillon said officials are examining whether DNA testing of dog droppings could help identify owners who fail to clean up after their pets.
One idea being considered is linking dog DNA samples with dog licences, so enforcement officers could trace fouling back to registered animals. However, the minister said the cost and practicalities must be reviewed before any such system could be introduced.
He added that Ireland should look at examples from other European countries before deciding whether DNA-based enforcement is workable here.
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