Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which waste reduction and management can be improved to make a more serious contribution to threats to the environment with particular reference to the need to reduce the use of landfills and the utilisation of the most modern methods that waste management in order to protect the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29045/23]
View answerLocal Authorities are statutorily responsible for the preparation of waste management plans. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices are currently preparing a new National Waste Management Plan (NWMP), informed by, inter alia, the National Planning Framework. The Plan will set out the required actions at local and regional levels to deliver on the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) and support Ireland's circular economy transition.
The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 strengthened provisions in relation to waste management plans, by requiring waste management plans to include indicators and targets relating to the use of products and materials that have been re-used, re-manufactured or repaired. The new NWMP will contain targets for reuse, repair, resource consumption and recycling, and address measures such as:
• the enhanced use of civic amenity sites as circular economy hubs;
• supporting the development of indigenous waste treatment capacity to reduce reliance on export.
I am informed that the public consultation phase on the draft National Waste Management Plan is currently open for submissions, please see National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy - mywaste My Waste
