Plastic bag levy

The plastic bag levy was first introduced on 4th March 2002 to encourage the use of reusable bags and change attitudes on littering. The current levy of 22 cent was introduced on 1 July 2007.  

Are all plastic bags liable to the levy?

No. The following are the bags on which no levy is charged: 

• Bags containing fish, Meat, Ice, or poultry products 
• Small non-packaged bags containing Fruit, nuts or Vegetables 
• Confectionary 
• Dairy Products 
• Cooked Food 
• Re-usable bags which are sold for 70 cent or more
• Bags given out in Duty Free areas. 

Who pays the levy?

Customers who want a plastic shopping bag must pay the levy. To avoid paying the levy, simply use re-usable bags

How is the levy used?

The money collected goes into The Environment Fund and is used to fund litter, waste management and other environmental projects. 

What must the public do?

For this Levy to work, members of the public must: 

• Reduce the plastic bags they use
• Report any incidents where plastic bags are distributed free of charge to Galway County Council 

View the legislation in relation to the Plastic Bag Levy at the links below: 

• Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 - S.I. No. 167/2007 amending SI No. 605 of 2001
• Waste Management (Environmental Levy) (Plastic Bag) Regulations, 2001 - S.I. No. 605/2001