Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 3

Written Answers. - Waste Management.

John Bruton

Question:

305 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the course of action which can be taken against a local authority which has failed to take responsibility for the supervision and the enforcement of relevant provisions of the Waste Management Act, 1996, in relation to the holding, recovering and disposal of waste within its functional area; if the council or local authority is legally responsible if it fails to meet its criteria in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6830/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Under section 59 of the Waste Management Act, 1996, each local authority is responsible for the supervision, and the enforcement, of the relevant provisions of the Act in relation to the holding, recovery and disposal of waste within its functional area.

Section 63 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, provides that the agency may take specified actions where it is of the opinion that a local authority has failed to perform a statutory function of that authority in relation to environmental protection, or has performed that function in an unsatisfactory manner.

Under the Ombudsman Act, 1980, the Ombudsman is empowered to investigate complaints about administrative actions, delays or inaction adversely affecting persons or bodies in their dealings with public bodies, including local authorities.

The Minister for the Environment and Local Government has no direct function in relation to the exercise or otherwise by a local authority of the various powers and functions conferred on it under the 1996 Act.

John Bruton

Question:

306 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has forwarded a report compiled by a court approved waterkeeper to the Criminal Assets Bureau and the Environmental Protection Agency concerning illegal dumping activities in County Louth; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6831/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

At the request of the individual concerned, I forwarded the report in question to the Criminal Assets Bureau on 31 January 2002 and I understand that the report has since been referred to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation for consideration.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

307 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress he has made in establishing an implementation committee to co-ordinate the implementation of the national hazardous waste management plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6832/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 155 of 6 February 2002. I will very shortly invite a range of business, agricultural and environmental organisations, as well as relevant Government Departments and State agencies, to nominate representatives to participate on the proposed implementation committee.

Question No. 308 answered with Question No. 71.