Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2018
340. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the decision by a company (details supplied) to locate a new plastics recycling facility in the UK instead of here; the measures he plans to take to alleviate the regulatory challenges which the company cited as causing difficulties in locating here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14607/18]
View answerA specific investment decision by a private company providing services in both Ireland and the United Kingdom is a matter for that company and its board. In my role as Minister, the company, which has grown its operations in Ireland over many years, has not made me aware of regulatory challenges to its further development in Ireland. The Waste Management Act 1996 and the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004 govern the process under which waste licence applications can be made to the EPA. This is an open and transparent process and aims to strike a balance between the interests of all stakeholders. I have no function in relation to the assessment of licence applications 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 EPA, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
Individual planning decisions are a matter for the relevant planning authority. Broader planning issues affecting the development of industry in Ireland are matters for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
