Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
146. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the recent Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, report regarding the burning of soft plastic in Ireland; and his plans to increase the recycling rate of soft plastic.. [44237/21]
View answer147. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to combat Ireland’s declining recycling rates. [44238/21]
View answer155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date in achieving targets as set out in the waste action plan for a circular economy with particular reference to the reduction of plastic; if targets set in respect of a ban of single-use plastics have been met or are on target to be met; if he has in mind further plans to help eliminate the use of plastic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44352/21]
View answer158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date in introducing a deposit and return scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans as set out in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44355/21]
View answer166. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking in response to the finding in the EPA report Packing Waste in Ireland in 2019 that Ireland produced 1,124,917 tonnes of packaging waste in 2019, an increase of 11% on 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44403/21]
View answerI propose to take Question Nos. 146, 147, 155, 158 and 166 together.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, which was published in September 2020, details a range of measures that will be adopted to achieve optimum results in the area of plastics and packaging over the coming years. The over-riding objective is to ensure that all packaging placed on the Irish market is reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
The announcement last week that soft plastics can now be disposed of in the domestic recycling bin is an example of a very significant step to help Ireland move onto the right trajectory – to increase recycling rates while also helping to reach EU recycling targets.
Other measures contained in the Plan include:
- The introduction of eco modulated fees whereby producers’ fees will reduce in line with the recycling content of their packaging products;
- A ban from the 3rd July this year on a range of single-use plastic items;
- The introduction next year of a deposit and refund scheme on plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans;
- An environmentally ambitious approach to the European Commission’s review of the essential requirements for packaging reduction- with proposals due in Q4 of 2021; and
- A commitment to drive higher levels of segregation and to support investment in treatment capacity.
