This week the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly TD launched the Android version of the EPA's popular 'See it? Say it!' App, which was made availble for iPhone in 2013 and was developed to help people report any environmental pollution they see via their phones.

Using the App a member of the public can take a photograph of the pollution incident, whether it be backyard burning, flytipping, water pollution, odours or littering, add a quick description and their contact details, and send the message with automatic GPS location coordinates for follow up by the relevant authority.

Launching the App, Minister Kelly said, “This will make it easier to point out environmental pollution such as dumping of litter, among other things, and offers a quick solution to address these issues. It empowers people to take pride in their environment and to report these matters to local authorities. It is an excellent innovation and to be welcomed.”

The App complements the existing 24-hour nationwide environmental complaints phoneline (on 1850 365 121) which is answered by staff who pass the reported information on to the relevant body for follow up, be it by a local authority, An Garda Síochána or the EPA.

Brendan McGrath, Chair of the County and City Managers’ Association’s Environment Committee, said that local authorities welcome this further development of the ‘See It? Say It!’ mobile App.

"It will greatly assist our Environment Enforcement Officers to rapidly respond to reported environmental complaints. The link to FixYourStreet.ie, which local authorities are already successfully using, will result in further efficiencies within the system."

Laura Burke, Director General of the EPA said reaction from the thousands of people who already have a ‘See It? Say It!’ App on their phone has been really positive and that we all have a role to play in protecting and improving our environment.

"The ‘See It? Say It!’ App is a way for people to easily report environmental pollution incidents. Feedback from the thousands of people who already have a ‘See It? Say It!’ App on their phone has been really positive and we hope all smartphone users will download it and use the App’s simple reporting methods to help protect their local areas.”