Bernard J. Durkan
Question:131 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to deal with the increasing problem of waste management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12982/03]
Written Answers. - Waste Management.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:252 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his preferred options for waste management and disposal; his regional strategy in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13170/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 252 together.
An effective basis for addressing our waste management responsibilities has been put in place through: the policy statement on waste management, Changing Our Ways; the policy statement, Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change; the waste management plans, largely prepared on a regional basis, adopted by the local authorities; and the comprehensive regulatory framework now in place in relation to waste.
The Government's approach is based on the internationally recognised waste management hierarchy of prevention or minimisation, significantly increased levels of recycling, energy recovery and, finally, utilising landfill as the last resort for residual waste that cannot otherwise be recovered.
The Government's priorities on waste management are now heavily focused on implementation. The main objectives are to: ensure that local authority waste management plans are fully and speedily implemented; intensify waste prevention efforts through an ambitious and well-resourced national waste prevention programme; significantly expand recycling efforts; extend producer responsibility initiatives at industry level; ensure that the volumes of waste going to landfill are significantly reduced; establish a number of new structures in support of waste management initiatives generally, and recycling in particular; and strengthen further the waste regulatory framework through the relevant provisions of the Protection of the Environment Bill 2003.
Significant progress has been made in these areas over the past year or so, as highlighted in my response to Question No. 428 of 4 February 2003. In addition, I recently announced that some €35 million of the proceeds of the environment fund is being earmarked for waste recycling and recovery activities this year.
I am currently carrying out a national overview of the state of delivery of the objectives and targets set in the local authority waste management plans. I will consider what further steps may be necessary in light of this exercise which I expect to conclude shortly.