Litter fines are to be increase by €100 from September 1.
This was confirmed by Minister of State for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, who said that fines for littering will increase from €150 to €250. He also launched a new €250,000 fund for local authorities to keep parks, public areas, beaches and greenways clean.
This fund will also stretch to dog fouling, providing for dog waste bins and bag dispensers.
According to reports in RTÉ, Alan Dillon said: "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".
This announcement comes along with the publication of the 2025 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System results, which indicate an improvement in litter levels across Ireland.
Local Authorities are to receive a circular with details on how to apply for this funding.
Elsewhere, RTÉ also reported that Alan Dillon had said that there is a possibility of DNA testing of dog droppings in order to ensure that the owners in question receive their fine. Last year, it was found that 48 fines were issued for dog fouling in Ireland.
Now, Mr Dillon has said that DNA testing for dog fouling is "within the realm of possibility".
"I have reached out to my officials to seek a briefing in regard to DNA testing. I know it was a motion that was raised at the Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown Municipal District meeting", Dillon told RTÉ Today. "We do need to explore all avenues in terms of how we can get greater prosecutions and certainly linking DNA testing with dog licences, ensuring that swabs are taken when dogs are registered, would be an important enforcement measure".
The former Mayo county footballer did add that cost is a factor which does need to be reviewed and analysed.
"If it is something that is replicated in other European jurisdictions then it should be replicated here in Ireland," he said. "It is something I hope to have further details in the coming months".
