Vol. 535 No. 1
421 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason only 20% of houses in the Fingal area are serviced with a domestic recycling service; if he will make the resources available to Fingal County Council to ensure that 100% of households are included in this recycling service; if so, when this will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12060/01]
The waste management plan for the Dublin region provides for the progressive extension throughout the region of separate collection services for organic and dry recyclable materials. Ultimately, it is intended that this service will be available to some 80% of households in the region, and it will be supplemented by an extension of the current network of ‘bring' facilities for recyclable materials.
As outlined in the Government's policy statement "Changing our Ways", local authorities should move rapidly towards full cost recoupment for the waste services which they provide, by means of use-related waste charges levied on all waste producers, including households and commercial or business concerns. Currently, Fingal County Council is one of only two county councils which do not levy household waste charges. The introduction of such charges would facilitate the roll-out of improved waste services throughout the County.
