Vol. 515 No. 3
68 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the percentage of construction and demolition waste which is recycled; the plans, if any, he has to increase these levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5776/00]
The national waste database, 1995, prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that 35% of construction and demolition waste was recovered annually. I understand that an updated national waste database report for 1998 will shortly be published by the agency.
The national policy statement on waste management, Changing our Ways, 1998, recognised the primary responsibility of the construction sector for environmentally sound management of construction and demolition waste, and set targets to recycle at least 50% of construction and demolition waste within a five year period, with a progressive increase to at least 85% over 15 years.
My Department has invited the construction industry to develop proposals for a producer responsibility initiative to meet these targets. A dedicated task force under the forum for the construction industry is due to present a co-ordinated industry-wide programme in this regard, with an implementation timetable, by 1 July 2000.
