The introduction of a Single Use Plastics Directive will create healthier environments and allow the Government to build on commitments to tackle the biggest challenge of our time, Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell has said.

Deputy Farrell, a Dublin Fingal TD and Fine Gael Climate Action Spokesperson, is pleased that Ireland will implement the Single Use Plastics Directive from this weekend.

"This will see a ban on single use plastics such as, cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws and stirrers, from being placed on the Irish market. This ban will also extend to single use expanded polystyrene cups and food containers, as well as, all oxo-degradable plastics.

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"This is the latest in a serious of measures we’re taking to reduce plastic waste and better manage the waste we do produce. Our future depends on us rapidly changing the way we produce products; this will contribute to a much wider effort to address climate change.

"The introduction of this directive will allow us to build on our commitments to tackle climate change and meet our ambitious targets. Later this year, COP26 will take place in Glasgow and we must ensure further progress is made during this conference and the Government are committed to making this a reality."