Farm Waste Disposal

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 June 2016

Thursday, 9 June 2016

Questions (80)

Seán Fleming

Question:

80. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legislation and statutory instruments governing the process of local authority licensing renewals for industrial and agricultural waste collectors; if he will address concerns at a loophole in the regulation of such waste collection operators whereby companies can continue to operate under an expired licence during the licence renewals process which can continue for an indefinite duration. [15086/16]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The review of a waste collection permit is subject to a statutory process , as set out in section 34A of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended, and the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, as amended. It is open to a local authority to initiate the review of a waste collection permit at any time. The review may result in a permit being amended; the permit holder being directed to take measures within a specified timeframe, including being asked to submit an application for a permit; the review being terminated without the permit being amended; or in certain circumstances, the permit being revoked. An operator may continue to collect waste during the review of a permit as a determination has yet to be made. A person whose permit has been revoked has the right to appeal that decision to the District Court within 28 days of being notified of the decision to revoke the permit.