Waste Disposal.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Questions (83)

Willie Penrose

Question:

173 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to his Department’s discussions with the former operators of a facility (details supplied) in County Tipperary, regarding the remedial work to be carried out at the dried out tailings pond at the mine site; if his attention has been drawn to the serious objections raised by local residents regarding proposals to dispose of organic waste at the site; his views on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5842/04]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The former operating company made a presentation of its proposals for remedial works at old mine sites, including the tailings pond, to the Department, North Tipperary County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency on 19 January last. The Department issued a press release outlining the outcome of that meeting. A further meeting to consider the operating company's detailed proposals, expected at the end of this month, will be held on 22 March 2004.

An application for a waste permit under the Waste Management Act 1996 was also lodged with North Tipperary County Council in late December 2003 on behalf of the former operating company. The objections to this application, which refers to an experimental proposal for remediation of the tailings pond, are a matter for the local authority.