Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that he has not signed the derogation with regard to the burning of bushes and branches (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1926/23]
View answerUnder the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009, the burning of household, garden, commercial or industrial waste is not permitted. An exemption under the legislation, which has allowed farmers, as a last resort following strict application of the waste hierarchy, to dispose of waste generated by agricultural practices by burning has been extended on several occasions. However, it was never intended that this exemption would extend in perpetuity.
My Department has engaged with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) on this matter and they have commissioned a feasibility study which will examine alternative measures to the burning of agricultural green waste within the Irish context and assess the practicality of such alternatives. My officials, in conjunction with their DAFM counterparts are currently examining the contents of this study, which was presented to DAFM in December 2022, with a view to establishing the most appropriate policy actions to sustainably manage this waste stream. I expect to be in a position to announce a decision on this matter shortly.
The issue of air pollution and the associated health impacts caused by this practice is well established and is addressed in the draft Clean Air Strategy developed by my Department, which was open for public consultation until 3 May last year. The final Clean Air Strategy, intended for publication later this year, will provide the high-level strategic policy framework necessary to identify and promote the integrated measures across government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner ambient air while delivering on wider national objectives.
