Bernard J. Durkan
Question:377 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he proposes legislative changes in relation to illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17852/02]
Written Answers. - Waste Management.
Under section 59 of the Waste Management Act, 1996, each local authority is responsible for the supervision and enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Act in relation to the holding, recovery or disposal of waste within its functional area.
Recent legislation, facilitating better control of waste movements, will assist in combating illegal dumping. Under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations, 2001, commercial waste collectors were required to apply to local authorities for a waste collection permit before 30 November 2001. Local authorities can require permit holders to ensure that waste collected is transferred only to an authorised waste facility, to maintain detailed records in relation to the quantity and nature of wastes collected, and the manner in which it is dealt with. A local authority can refuse to grant a collection permit, or revoke one that has been granted, if an applicant or permittee is found guilty of any one of a number of specified waste offences, including unauthorised dumping.
Further changes to facilitate the enhanced enforcement of waste legislation are under consideration in my Department.