Sir, - The 1997 Litter Act has clearly defined the responsibilities of local authorities and property owners to keep both public roads and pavements free of litter. It further specifies on-the-spot fines for the perpetrators of litter.The implementation of the Act is the responsibility of local authorities. However, it is unlikely that this will happen until the local authorities in question adopt a responsible position to the litter under their control.Limerick Corporation collects many tons of domestic refuse every week. This refuse is in turn disposed of in an already-filled site on the shores of the Shannon. It regularly spills over into the river and indeed, with the hurricane conditions of recent days, it has spread much further than the river. One can just imagine the delight of the visiting angler when he finds himself wading through layers of escaped litter!The lack of willingness to address this problem is in itself a crime. The Government need to pull rank on local authorities, such as Limerick Corporation. The law of the land must be enforced and those charged with its implementation must, without delay, lead by example. - Yours, etc.Peter McCloskey,Mill Road,Corbally,Limerick.