Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1854. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current procedure and regulation surrounding the burning of old scrub and bushes off agricultural land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19284/22]
View answerThe Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulation 2009 made it an offence to dispose of waste by uncontrolled burning. These regulations are under the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. Provision by way of derogation has been available for the burning of permitted green waste generated by agricultural practices from 1st September to 28th February.
This provision for the burning of waste relates solely to material consisting of uncontaminated (free of dangerous substances, preservatives or other artificial impregnation or coating) wood, trees, tree trimmings, leaves, brush, or other similar waste generated by agricultural practices, but excluding garden and park wastes and cemetery wastes and wastes arising from infrastructural development works, provided that such burning is done as a final measure following the application of the following waste hierarchy;
(i) waste arisings are reduced in accordance with best agricultural practice,
(ii) waste is reused where practicable,
(iii) is recycled through shredding and use as compost or wood chippings, where practicable, and
(iv) is salvaged for use as fuel where practicable,
Where none of the options are practicable or economically viable such waste may be disposed of by burning subject to the following conditions;
(i) the person carrying out the disposal shall take all reasonable measures to limit the overall nuisance or possibilities for endangering human health or causing environmental pollution or damage to adjoining hedgerows or habitats,
(ii) no accelerants may be used when undertaking the disposal activity,
(iii) the person carrying out the disposal must notify the local authority concerned in advance of the intention to carry out the disposal and provide the necessary information.
A local authority may issue a notice to a person regarding steps that shall be taken regarding burning of the waste.
The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 extends the provision for the burning, as a final measure, of permitted green waste generated by agricultural practices to 31st of December 2022.
As outlined, these regulations are the responsibility of the Minister for Environment, Minster Eamon Ryan.
