Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
891. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the number of tetra recycling facilities available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37462/13]
View answernister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Mr. P. Hogan) In accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996 the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan, including in respect of infrastructure provision, is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned. Under section 60(3) of the 1996 Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it. Accordingly, questions regarding the number of tetra recycling facilities provided by local authorities should, in the first instance, be directed to the local authorities concerned.
However, my Department operated a number of Waste Recycling Capital Grants Schemes from 2000 to 2012. Under these schemes funding of €97.5m in capital grants has been provided to local authorities for the development of recycling infrastructure. In addition my Department provides annual subventions to local authorities for the operation of civic amenity sites and bring bank facilities. Since 2002 some €86.8m was provided to local authorities in this regard.
Recycling rates in Ireland reached the European average in 2011 and the recovery and recycling rate for used beverage cartons in Ireland is in the region of 48%.
