Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
68. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received reports on the enforcement against illegal dumping activities in Dublin; and the progress being made in addressing the problems in particular at a large illegal dump in Dublin 17. [27562/21]
View answerIndividual local authorities deal with cases of illegal disposal of waste in their areas and it is matter for them to take the appropriate enforcement actions. In this case, Dublin City Council (DCC) is responsible for enforcement of the Waste Management Act. The National Waste Enforcement Steering Committee (NWESC) has also provided assistance in bringing together different relevant NWESC member agencies to support DCC in their efforts such as An Garda Síochána, Revenue and the Department of Social Protection.
The operation has resulted in the impounding of vehicles used for alleged unauthorised waste activities and the initiation of prosecutions. There are investigations underway by DCC, with the assistance of An Garda Síochána, into ongoing breaches of the Waste Management Act. Patrols, together with regular clean-up and maintenance operations by DCC are continuing.
The ultimate objective is to clean and secure the site as part of an overall and sustainable solution. Specialist Environmental Consultants were engaged by DCC to undertake Environmental Assessments to gauge the scale and type of waste involved and the subsequent means and level of clean up that might be required. The next phase will be to commence this clean-up and my Department officials will receive further reports from DCC and via NWESC as this progresses. Tackling illegal dumping and other waste crime is a priority for my Department which continues to provide support to local authorities dealing with challenging waste enforcement cases through both the Anti-Dumping Initiative and the Sites of Concern Programme.
