asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the growing rate of indiscriminate dumping of both domestic and trade refuse throughout the country; and his proposals to deal adequately with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Refuse Dumping.
22.
While the adequacy of existing legislation in regard to waste disposal is being examined, the fact is that local authorities already have considerable powers under sanitary and planning law to deal with indiscriminate disposal of waste and with lettering. I have recently asked all local authorities to make full use of these powers, wherever appropriate, and in addition to seek the interest and support of the public and of voluntary organisations in a special effort to improve standards in this matter. The current Planning Bill contains proposals to strengthen the enforcement of planning law. The question of the need for additional measures will be kept under review.
23.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of public concern regarding the lack of control over local authority refuse dumps; and if he proposes to make regulations or fix standards for the siting, development and control of such dumps.
I know that there have been complaints in particular cases but I am not aware that there has been any recent decline in standards generally. On the contrary, I believe that standards are improving, and I expect them to improve further. It was with this in mind that last year I requested local authorities to review and reorganise their waste and dump operations and to adopt modern tipping methods. At the same time, advice was given on the selection and management of dump sites with a view to avoiding pollution and nuisance. I believe that these reviews will lead to changes where they are needed and to a general improvement in dumping standards in accordance with the advice given.
I have no power to make regulations or enforce standards in the matter and, while the adequacy of existing law in regard to waste disposal is being reviewed, it may not be that a regulatory approach will be found to be the best one.