A councillor has called on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to write to Stormont requesting the fine for littering or dog fouling be increased.
Speaking at September’s monthly meeting of Council, Banbridge Councillor Jill MacAuley said she welcomed correspondence from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with regard to the matter.
The letter explains that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has written to the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots requesting the maximum fine for littering or dog fouling be increased to £250.
It also calls on other councils to do likewise.
“I welcome the letter from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with regards to the fines for littering and dog fouling,” said Cllr MacAuley.
“I think it is a great idea and this all came from a proposal by my party colleague, Councillor David Taylor.
“We, as a council, have been working to improve our litter and dog fouling numbers and I would like to propose we go ahead and write to Minister [Edwin] Poots as requested.
“The message of the ‘polluter pay’ principle can only influence the Minister if all councils present a united front.”
The letter, addressed to Council’s Chief Executive Roger Wilson explains that Newry, Mourne and Down’s elected members have requested an update to littering and dog fouling legislation.
“The main focus is to request the maximum amount payable under a Fixed Penalty Notice in respect of littering and dog fouling offences be increased from the current limit of £80 to £250,” reads the letter.
“The Council also asked that consideration is given to the possibility of devolving powers for setting Fixed Penalty rates to councils…
“…I am sure you are experiencing the same problems and complaints caused by dog fouling and littering within your council area.
“The proposed increase in fines would help promote the ‘polluter pay’ principle.”
Cllr MacAuley’s proposal to write to Minister Poots expressing support for the proposed changes as outlined, was approved by the chamber.
