PLASTIC straws, cutlery and cups will be banned in Ireland in a major single-use plastics clampdown.

Climate Action Minister Richard Bruton said fees on non-recyclable plastic packaging - like on food in supermarkets - could kick in as part of the new strategy.

2 Climate Action Minister Richard Bruton will meet with key representatives today Credit: PA:Press Association

2 Single-use plastic cups will be banned in Ireland Credit: PA:Press Association

Single-use plastic plates, balloon sticks, cotton bud sticks and food containers will be banned as the Government aims to improve recycling rates here.

Minister Bruton will today meet with over 100 key representatives from local authorities, waste collectors, household representatives groups and NGOs to discuss how best to implement the new Climate Action Plan.

Over 200kg of waste packaging, 59kg of which is plastic, is generated per person every year in Ireland, above average among our EU neighbours.

Food waste alone costs homeowners €700 a year and accounts for a loss of €1 billion to our enterprises.

Minister Bruton said his new waste strategy will:

Ban single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks, cotton bud sticks, polystyrene cups and food containers

Introduce fees on non-recyclable plastics, like on food packaging in supermarkets

Halve food waste

End the use of non-recyclable plastic

Double the rate of recycled material used

Increase the recycling rate of plastic packaging by 60 per cent

Cut dependence on landfill by 60 per cent

Minister Bruton said: "Managing our resources properly is crucial to securing a better, more sustainable Ireland for future generations.

"It is central to the Climate Action Plan – 60 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from our use of materials.

"All along the supply chain we can do better- 70% of food waste is avoidable, half of the material we use is not being segregated properly, two thirds of plastic used is not on the recycling list and labels are confusing."

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Breakout sessions at today's meeting will consider how unnecessary packaging can be eliminated and putting in place more sustainable alternatives, the potential to use levies to change behaviour and how to combat food waste.

Bruton added: "We are now deciding how to chart the route ahead. I am determined to step up ambition and put in place strong policy tools to deliver on our new targets.

"Today is a chance to shape that roadmap. Leadership in this area is crucial if we are to secure a more sustainable, resilient Ireland for future generations."