Over one billion plastic bags will be taken out of circulation this year as a result of the new ‘bag-tax’ levy.
Figures released today indicate the tax has reduced the provision of plastic bags to retailers by 90 per cent and has yielded €3.5 million in taxes for the Exchequer.
The reduced provision to an estimated 3,000 retailers nationwide will reduce the number of plastic bags by one billion. Until recently, the bags were provided free of charge to the public, but shoppers are now charged 15 cent for each one.
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The tax, introduced by the Government five months ago, is expected to yield €10 million by year-end if current trends continue.
The Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Martin Cullen TD, said the figures provided evidence that "the mindset is changing and proof that implementation of similar strategies must continue if we are to tackle Ireland's waste problem".
It is planned the money raised will be spent on environmental projects and the Minister is considering a number of areas for investment.
These include establishing a new Office for Environmental Enforcement which will implement the national waste-prevention programme and the development of a 32-county tender for the disposal of fridges and freezers.