Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 7

Written Answers. - Waste Disposal.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

124 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline his views concerning (a) the burying of high and medium risk waste material prior to conducting a proper geological survey and to the conducting of a study as to the likely or probable environmental consequences of such an action, (b) what constitutes high and medium risk waste material and (c) the necessary guidelines governing such; and whether there is any legislation covering such activities.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

My Department have already issued guidelines to local authorities on the factors to be taken into account in selecting, developing and operating waste disposal sites. These guidelines deal with the particular problems of special wastes, including industrial and organic wastes; they also advise on hydrogeological and environmental factors. A copy of the guidelines is available in the Oireachtas Library.

The main statutory provisions relating to the supervision and control of waste disposal operations are as follows:

—Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts, 1963 to 1990 and associated regulations;

—European Communities (Waste) Regulations, 1979;

—European Communities (Toxic and Dangerous Waste) Regulations, 1982:

—European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989.

As I have previously stated, comprehensive new legislation on waste is being prepared in my Department; this is intended to ensure updated and strengthened provisions in relation to all aspects of waste management.