404 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will identify the five local authority areas where a pilot scheme will be initiated on enforcement of litter laws by the community warden service later in 2001. [7454/01]

The community warden service will be piloted in the five following local authorities: Galway, Leitrim and Wexford County Councils, Galway Corporation and Naas UDC. Enforcement of the litter laws is among the duties of the pilot service. It will focus generally on improving liaison between the local authority and the community, and particularly on enhancing the environment through better enforcement of a range of regulatory functions for which local authorities are responsible, including litter, traffic, public amenities, air pollution and so on. The wardens will also report suspected breaches of technical regulations such as waste disposal, planning, etc., and also report suspicious or criminal activity to the Garda. It is also envisaged that the service will play a role in tourist advice and assistance and generally promote a positive image of the local authority among both the local community and visitors alike.