andMr. J. O'Leary asked the Minister for Local Government the action he proposes to take to ensure that the refuse dumps used by local authorities and private firms are suitably located and properly maintained in order to protect the environment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Refuse Dumps Location.
4.
I have issued detailed guidance and advice to local authorities with a view to ensuring that their dumps are properly located and operated. I have also called on the local authorities to make full use of the powers available to them to ensure that private dumps are properly controlled. I believe that there has been an improvement in dump standards in many cases and I am hopeful that this trend will continue.
A general review of the existing controls relating to the collection and disposal of waste, in both the public and private sectors, is now at an advanced stage. When it is completed, I will be in a position to consider what further measures are necessary to ensure environmental protection in the disposal of waste.
Before Deputy Leonard puts his supplementary, for the benefit of Members I should like to state that for the purpose of making some progress I am confining Deputies to a short relevant supplementary question.
Will the Minister let us have a copy of those instructions?
I will be glad to.
Does the Minister approve of valleys being covered in as dumping grounds?
It depends on what the Deputy calls a valley. If they start filling in Glendalough, I shall certainly object.
Is the Minister interested in Balymahon Valley?
That is a separate question.
I never saw it.
Has the Minister heard of it? He has.