Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
250. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the requirements on event organisers and vendors to have integrated waste management plans when hosting events in the Phoenix Park; the guidance provided by the Office of Public Works, OPW, to help event organisers and vendors minimise waste when hosting events in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10390/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works has developed an extensive set of Terms and Conditions which includes conditions relating to waste management for all events in the Phoenix Park. These conditions are also relevant to vendors in the Park.
Event organisers/vendors are required to provide OPW with a detailed Waste/Litter Management Plan for the location where they propose to hold an event/operate. They must also liaise with the "Leave No Trace" organisation and follow the core principals of leaving no evidence or waste or litter post events.
Each event organiser must outline their daily cleaning, recycling, and general waste management provisions for an event. An event safety officer usually oversees these procedures and ensures compliance with their Waste/Litter Management Plan as submitted to this Office in advance.
Staff in the Phoenix Park carry out routine inspections of the site where an event is being held and are very vigilant with regard to waste reduction and regular emptying of bins etc. Some large event organisers will have their own recycling compactors on-site for the duration of their event.
The Office of Public Works advise the use, in so far as possible, of "green products.” OPW takes its responsibility to protect the Phoenix Park and the environment extremely seriously and seeks to support event organisers/vendors to minimise and reduce waste as much as possible.
