Proinsias De Rossa
Question:62 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to make a statement on his proposed implementation of his recently published policy paper on waste disposal. [19353/98]
Written Answers. - Waste Disposal.
Question:
115 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to achieve a 50 per cent diversion of household waste away from landfill within 15 years; the further plans, if any, he has to achieve 35 per cent recycling of municipal waste in the period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19279/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 115 together.
Achievement of the objectives and targets set out in the recent policy statement on waste management will require the participation of Government, local authorities, business and the community at large. However, having regard to their key role in the delivery of waste services and their statutory powers and responsibilities in relation to waste management generally, local authorities have a crucial role in delivering change in waste management practice and performance. Accordingly, the policy statement is addressed chiefly to them and outlines policy requirements and objectives which should be taken into account in the waste management planning exercises currently under way. Regional and local waste management plans will provide the strategic framework for change, in particular identify measures which will be undertaken by local authorities to secure the provision of an integrated waste infrastructure giving practical expression to the requirements of the waste hierarchy.
As outlined in the policy statement, implementation to achieve clearly stated national objectives will involve: meaningful long-term planning by local authorities, on a regionalised basis; a dramatic reduction in reliance on landfill, in favour of an integrated waste management approach which utilises a range of waste treatment options; deliver ambitious recycling and recovery targets; greater participation by the private sector in the provision of waste management services; a more effective and equitable system of waste charging which incentivises waste minimisation and recovery; greater utilisation of legislative instruments extending the scope of producer responsibility initiatives, and the mobilisation of public support and participation.