Sir, - In response to Tom Cavanagh, Chairman of Irish Business Against Litter (March 18th), who identifies Mr Noel Dempsey as being responsible for dealing with our litter problem through enforcement of the 1997 Litter Pollution Act, I would like to point out the contribution that Irish businesses make to this problem.
Virtually all retailers insist on using plastic carrier bags. Eyecatching wasteful packaging is considered more important that the product itself. The fast-food industry uses colourful, non-biodegradable packaging for its products. Virtually all beverages sold in the State are in non-returnable, non-re-useable containers.
Our litter is well branded and its source can easily be identified. Marketing decisions by Irish businesses are just as responsible for our litter problem as the litter louts. Enforcement of the 1997 Act will not, by itself, solve our litter problem. Irish business also has a significant role to play. - Yours, etc., Frank Donegan,
Drung, Quigley's Point, Co Donegal.