Vol. 486 No. 3
65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has for waste management; whether he proposes to embark on a long-term plan; if he has quantified the urgent need in this area; the way in which he proposes to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2476/98]
Overall policy in relation to waste management is outlined in the Goverment programme An Action Programme for the Millennium and related policy documents. It is based on a commitment to the waste hierarchy: first, the prevention and minimisation of waste; second, recovery; and third, environmentally sustainable disposal. A full statement on national waste management policy will be published this year to address in detail the factors and practical considerations which are relevant to the achievement of Government policy objectives in this area.
The Waste Management Act, 1996 requires the Environmental Protection Agency to make a national hazardous waste management plan. The Act also requires each local authority to make a waste management plan in respect of its functional area. Proposed plans must be published and a period of at least two months allowed for public comment. Comprehensive strategy studies are at present being initiated or carried out by local authorities and the EPA to assist them in the development of plans. The proposed policy statement will support and further inform the preparation of these plans.
Detailed information on the types and quantities of waste arising in Ireland is contained in the national waste database report published by the EPA, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
