Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 5

Written Answers. - Toxic and Dangerous Waste Regulations.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

153 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment the progress made in implementing EC Directive 78/319, with specific reference to the efforts, if any, being made to reduce toxic and dangerous waste production; the trends in toxic and dangerous waste production since notification of the directive, and more specifically Article 16 thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

Directive 78/319 was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Toxic and Dangerous Waste) Regulations, 1982. Two situation reports have been furnished to the EC Commission pursuant to Article 16 of the Directive.

The environment action programme indicated the Government's determination to promote, primarily through the industrial development agencies, the adoption of clean technologies and low waste production processes. So far as my Department are concerned, funds are being provided under the EC Stride.

Operational Programme 1991-1993 for the establishment of a cleaner production promotion centre in University College, Cork, which will promote the use of cleaner industrial technologies in cooperation with the Cork regional technical college Clean Technology Centre. My Department are also in the process of commissioning a study on means to promote the greater uptake of cleaner technologies in industry.

As regards trends in the production of toxic and dangerous waste, national annual arisings of these wastes are provisionally estimated at some 60,000 tonnes, with organic solvents, 53 per cent, and chlorinated solvents, 19 per cent, representing the bulk of this amount. While total usage of these solvents has increased considerably, so too has the rate of recycling of them which now stands at some 70 per cent.