Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 March 2015
271. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide support in respect of a food manufacturing business (details supplied) at risk of losing jobs due to waste dumping near a site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10994/15]
View answerIssues concerning the enforcement of waste management legislation are a matter for the appropriate regulatory authority and should therefore be pursued with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the relevant local authority, as appropriate.
The Office of Environmental Enforcement within the EPA has a mandate to deliver enhanced environmental compliance, both through enforcement of Agency licences issued to waste, industrial and other activities, and also through the supervisory role which it exercises in respect of the environmental protection activities of local authorities.
It is a matter for local authorities to set and attach specific conditions to a waste facility permit, or certificate of registration and for the Environmental Protection Agency to set and attach such conditions as may be necessary in relation to a waste licence. I have no function in relation either to the setting of operating conditions or their enforcement and under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996 as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the Environmental Protection Agency or a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
