Vol. 401 No. 4
173 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment if he is at present considering the siting of regional toxic dumps at various locations throughout the country; if he will outline the criteria to be employed in choosing such locations; if any locations have been agreed upon to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
174 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment the number of co-disposal tip-heads at present in operation in the State; if it is the policy of his Department to encourage local authorities to adopt the co-disposal concept as a method for the disposal of toxic and dangerous waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.
Co-disposal in which industrial and other wastes are disposed of in conjunctions with domestic and commercial wastes in the same landfill is an internationally accepted method of waste disposal. My Department has given detailed guidelines to local authorities on the selection, management and operational criteria for landfill sites with particular reference to co-disposal. I am arranging to have a copy of these guidelines placed in the Library.
Local authorities are responsible for all aspects of waste management in their areas including the selection of sites for waste disposal. They have been reminded however on a number of occasions that as part of their waste planning they should see to the provision of land-fill facilities for the disposal of industrial as well as other wastes arising in their areas including where appropriate, the upgarding of existing landfills. In the future, it is envisaged that the environmental protection agency will have a role in waste management.
