Unnecessary packaging should be eliminated from Kildare's coffee shops/restaurants

Restaurants and coffee shops operating within County Kildare should eliminate unnecessary packaging.

A call has been for Kildare County Council to limit single use items, disposable cutlery as well as cups and plates in restaurants and cafes where food and drink is consumed on-site (either inside or in designated outdoor seating areas).

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It came from Fianna Fáil councillor Brian O'Loughlin who said an exception should be made for people leaving with food but in other cases packaging, including cardboard, shouldn't be allowed.

KCC official Marian Higgins said there is a range of controls on various types of plastic products and on those who manufacture or import these products.

Ms Higgins also pointed out, at a KCC meeting, that since July 2021 plastic cutlery, plates, stirrers and straws are banned in Ireland.

Biodegradable and compostable alternatives made from materials like wood, bamboo, or paper are still available for purchase.

She said local authorities like KCC are not responsible for taking any enforcement action in relation to retailers who are engaged in placing prohibited items onto the market and  this function remains with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ms Higgins added the “circular economy model” builds on sharing, reusing and reinventing materials to meet our needs and replaces the current “take, make, dispose” model.

She said businesses and others could be reminded and encouraged to use the "reduce, reuse, recycle" hierarchy  - reduce consumption first, then reuse items where possible and recycle what's left.