asked the Minister for the Environment the plans he has to dispose of asbestos waste in Ireland; and if he can give an assurance that no such waste will be dumped at the domestic tipheads at Dunsink which is adjacent to an orthopaedic hospital and adjoining itinerant settlements and a large residential area.
Written Answers. - Asbestos Waste Disposal.
32.
The management of waste disposal operations in each area is the responsibility of the county council and county borough corporation concerned. Accordingly, decisions as to the methods and places of disposal of waste in County Dublin are a matter for Dublin County Council. My role extends mainly to providing an appropriate framework of legislation and regulations for local authorities in the discharge of their functions in relation to waste. I have no power to direct that any waste or any particular kind of waste should be accepted for disposal at any particular location.
Until recently, considerable quantities of asbestos waste were exported to the United Kingdom for landfill disposal. This outlet is, however, no longer available and I have brought to the attention of local authorities the urgent need to provide landfill facilities for the controlled disposal of such quantities of these wastes as arise in their areas. Failure by local authorities to provide the necessary facilities could seriously prejudice trading and employment prospects in the construction and other industries and expose both public health and the environment to unnecessary risks. Landfilling, either on specialised sites or in conjunction with domestic waste, is the internationally accepted method for disposing of asbestos waste. I am assured that, subject to the observance of the appropriate precautions, there is no reason why such waste should not be accepted and disposed of on landfill sites.