Vol. 516 No. 4
93 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the future of recycling in Dublin; if a service will be available to householders; and, if so, the timetable for the provision of this service. [8407/00]
The four local authorities in Dublin have adopted a comprehensive regional waste management plan which, in accordance with the policy guidance and objectives outlined in the policy statement, Changing our Ways, provides for the development of integrated waste management services and infrastructure to deliver a much improved waste recycling and recovery performance. Specifically, the plan aims at ensuring the recycling and biological treatment of some 60% of waste arising in the region.
In this context, the Dublin local authorities are currently finalising arrangements for the establishment, and progressive extension throughout the region, of household segregation and kerbside collection services for organic and dry recyclable materials. I understand that these arrangements will be announced in the near future. Ultimately, it is intended that this service would encompass 80% of households in the region and it will be supplemented by an extension of the current network of bring banks and the development of new civic amenity sites for the reception of green waste and bulky items, including white and brown goods.
94 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to amend the Waste Management Act, 1996, to allow county councils and urban district councils to increase the volume of refuse sites above and beyond the amount specified on an EPA licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8408/00]
I am currently examining the need for an amendment to the Waste Management Act, 1996, to facilitate expansion by an urban district council of an existing landfill facility to extend its use in the context of effective regional waste management, but I have no plans for such a measure at this time.
The licensing of landfill facilities is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency, which is required, inter alia, to specify the quantity of waste permitted to be disposed of in each such facility. The agency is independent in the exercise of its licensing function; the Minister for the Environment and Local Government is statutorily precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by the agency of its functions under the 1996 Act. Accordingly, the question of allowing a local authority to act other than in compliance with a waste licence could not arise.
