Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 October 2006
127 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will initiate a review of the eight regional development plans in order to examine the waste management facilities and proposals in each RDP following his own assertion that the need for incineration has been over estimated; and if he will instruct those carrying out any such reviews to consider alternatives to municipal incineration. [30908/06]
View answerUnder the Waste Management Acts statutory responsibility for waste management planning rests with the relevant local authorities, typically acting in regional groupings. My Department's National Overview of Waste Management Plans (July 2004) identified significant progress in regard to the implementation of these plans. Subsequently, these plans have been reviewed by the local authorities concerned and these reviews included significant public consultation.
Not all waste can be recycled and successive Government policy documents have recognised the key role which thermal treatment with energy recovery must play in an integrated approach to waste management. I am satisfied that the regional waste management plans properly reflect this having regard to the needs of the individual regions and the range of available technologies.
