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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 5

Other Questions. - Landfill Sites.

Peadar Clohessy

Question:

19 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for the Environment the discussions, if any, which have taken place with managers of local authorities in respect of proposed reductions in the number of landfill sites; and if so, the outcome of such discussions. [21126/96]

It is proposed shortly to make regulations under the Waste Management Act, 1996, to commence the system of licensing by the Environmental Protection Agency of major waste management facilities. This system will involve high environmental standards and high development and operational costs for landfill facilities. The need in this context to achieve reasonable economies of scale is likely to bring about a rationalisation of the existing network of such facilities. However, decisions to close or upgrade landfills, or to develop new landfills, are matters in the first instance for the local authorities or other operators concerned, subject to planning and licensing legislation.

As regards discussions with local authorities, my Department arranged a seminar on waste management in late 1995, in prospect of the new legislation, which was attended by managers and other senior local authority officials. This has led, inter alia, to the preparation by a number of local authorities, in some cases jointly, of proposals for waste management strategy studies. One such proposal, involving grant assistance, has already been approved and assistance in some other cases is being considered.

There are 120 operational landfill sites at present and the Minister has pledged under the waste management plan to reduce the number nationally to 50 within five years. Is that still the Government's intention? Is the Minister in consultation about the location of those sites?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency national waste database report, there are 118 landfill sites, 87 of which are operated by local authorities and the remainder by private operators. There is no question of reducing the number to 50 or of the location of new and upgraded landfill sites being imposed by the Department. The Department simply forecast the likely trend having regard to the diminishing capacity of many of the landfill sites currently in situ and in the context of the higher standards that will apply to landfill sites under national and prospective European Union laws.

Is it intended to divert from landfill sites to alternative means of disposal of domestic refuse?

Perhaps the Minister will reply to two questions together. I would like to accommodate Deputy Sargent.

Will the Minister take into account that there needs to be a fixed time on the life of landfill sites, that in addition to rationalising the numbers there should be a capping arrangement so that people living close to those sites will be able to look forward to the end of their lifespan?

To answer the second question first, the European Commission is expected shortly to introduce new proposals and a directive in relation to landfill sites. The proposed directive will establish common EU standards for the design, operation, closure and aftercare of landfill sites. In that context the question the Deputy raised will be considered. In answer to Deputy McCormack, the strategy studies currently being undertaken by a number of local authorities, one of which is being funded by the Department, will examine all options. There will be a need for landfill sites in the foreseeable future but alternative disposal technologies must be considered.

That concludes questions for today.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.

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