Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 4

Written Answers. - Paper Recycling.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

187 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of local authorities are not collecting waste paper for recycling purposes; and the way in which he proposes to resolve the situation. [16449/97]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Wallace)

Difficulties are currently being experienced in Ireland and internationally in relation to the recycling of paper as a result of a reduction in the demand and price for waste paper. Certain materials such as cardboard and high grade papers are being collected but the collection of lower grade papers has been suspended by some recyclers.

The successful development of waste recycling depends to a significant extent on the development of more extensive and stable markets for recyclable materials. Initiatives in this regard include the commissioning and financing by my Department, in association with National Newspapers of Ireland, of the recently published report by Teagasc on "The Safety and Suitability of Shredded Newspaper as a Bedding Material for Dairy Cows". The report confirms that shredded newspaper is both suitable and safe for use as bedding material, and seeks to encourage the expansion of such use and the recycling of waste newspaper. An increased demand for recycled paper is also being supported in Ireland by the Green Government Guide circulated last year. This initiative seeks to promote better environmental management by all Government bodies, with particular emphasis on the use of recycled materials and the recycling of wastes.

Financial assistance is being provided by my Department by way of grants, which are co- financed by the European Union, to support capital expenditure by local authorities and the private sector on infrastructure for waste recycling. Several of the projects approved to date include the provision of facilities to recycle paper.