Environmental Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

Questions (88)

Ged Nash

Question:

88. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the introduction of the proposed levy on waste recovery that takes place in Ireland and on waste exports from Ireland for recovery elsewhere in the European Union and outside of the European Union; the estimated revenue that could be raised from a waste recovery levy at €5 a tonne to apply to the three key waste recovery options landfill, incineration and export; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38670/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Circular Economy Bill provides the necessary legislative basis for the introduction of environmental levies and is scheduled to be enacted before the Summer recess. It will then provide the legislative power to introduce a waste recovery levy to activities identified in the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended). Details of the levy will be determined as the drafting of the required Regulations proceeds. It is not yet possible to estimate the revenue that the levy will raise. 

I would point out that the primary purpose of environmental levies is to effect behavioural change, not to increase revenue.