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.