Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 5

Written Answers. - Landfill Sites.

Mary Wallace

Question:

77 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment if he or the Environmental Protection Agency makes the final decision in relation to the location of a landfill site; and if he will make a statement regarding the distinction between his powers and the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency in relation to landfill. [11613/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I understand that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is at an advanced stage in the preparation of criteria in relation to site selection for local authority landfill development. Site selection is a matter which has to be addressed in an environmental impact statement submitted to the Minister with an application for certification under Part IX of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994 in relation to a proposed landfill development.

The Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 1997 provide for the licensing of public and private sector landfills and other significant waste disposal facilities by the Environmental Protection Agency. All new facilities and certain existing facilities will be licensable with effect from 1 May 1997. Remaining existing facilities will become licensable on a phased basis in the period up to March 1999. In consequence of the commencement of this licensing system, I intend very shortly to amend Part IX of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994 so as to remove the requirement for certification by the Minister for the Environment for such facilities.