Vol. 555 No. 1
355 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the operation of section 55 of the Waste Management Act, 1996, in relation to the illegal dumping of waste; if adequate resources are available to the local authorities to effectively implement the provisions of the Act; and his further proposals in this regard. [17762/02]
Section 55 of the Waste Management Act, 1996, empowers local authorities to require, by notice, specified measures to be taken in relation to the holding, recovery or disposal of waste in order to prevent or limit environmental pollution. Failure to comply with a notice under this section constitutes an offence and may be prosecuted accordingly.
I have no function in relation to the implementation of this provision of the 1996 Act by local authorities. They use these powers to require the cessation of unauthorised waste activity and, if necessary, the taking of measures to mitigate or remedy the effects of such activity. I am not aware of any difficulties arising from the implementation of this section.
I am satisfied that adequate resources are being made available to local authorities to implement the Act. A sum of €593 million in general purpose funding has been allocated to local authorities from the local government fund in 2002. Allocations for 2002 are on average more than 74% greater than the initial allocations for 1997. They represent an increase of about 10% on the baseline allocations provided for 2001. General purpose grants from the LGF are additional to specific grants for purposes such as roads and water services. The income of local authorities is supplemented by local sources such as commercial rates, waste charges and landfill gate fees. It is largely a matter for these authorities to decide how these general purpose grants are spent.
I intend to utilise new resources from the environment fund to support dedicated and measurable enforcement initiatives by local authorities. This will be aimed at controlling fly-tipping and unauthorised waste activities. I have asked local authorities to submit proposals to me in this regard.
Question No. 356 answered with Question No. 44.
Question No. 357 answered with Question No. 343.
Question No. 358 answered with Question No. 38.
