Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
111 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he has failed to respond to the European Commission’s final warning announced on 13 January 2005 regarding the failure to clean up waste at the Boyne estuary in view of the fact that a response was due within three months of the warning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30370/05]
View answerOn 22 December 2004, an additional reasoned opinion was addressed to Ireland by the European Commission, under Article 226 of the treaty establishing the European Community, concerning alleged failure by Ireland to comply with obligations under Directive 75/442/EEC on waste, as amended by Directive 91/156/EEC, and Directive 92/43/EEE on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. A response by Ireland had in fact issued on 6 December 2004.
This issue was among a number of matters discussed by my officials with the Commission at a meeting in Dublin on 20 October 2005. A further letter issued to the European Commission on 21 October 2005 with the aim of progressing the matter towards a satisfactory conclusion.
