Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
12. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being taken to combat illegal dumping; if extra resources are being given to counties Cavan and Monaghan local authorities to cope with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50027/23]
View answerWhile the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping lies with the local authorities, my Department continues to provide extensive policy, financial and legislative support to the local authority sector to support their efforts.
Almost €15m has been provided to local authorities under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was first introduced in 2017, to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. €3m has been allocated in support of the 2023 ADI. Cavan and Monaghan received €118,403 and €103,570 respectively under the 2022 ADI. Claims for 2023 have yet to be finalised but are likely to be of a similar order.My Department also continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network through the Local Authority Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme, with the intention of maintaining a visible presence of waste enforcement personnel on the ground across the State. €7.7m has been allocated to local authorities under the scheme in 2023. Cavan and Monaghan received €200,927 and €190,537 respectively under this scheme in 2022 and have been allocated a similar amount for 2023.
In addition, a further €3.8mn has been allocated in 2023 to support the enhancement of the role, responsibilities and staffing complement of the three Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) and the establishment of a new National Local Authority Waste Programme Coordination Office. My Department has agreed to support these measures in order to position the local authority sector to better respond to emerging and priority enforcement challenges, including tackling the scourge of illegal dumping.
