Vol. 286 No. 12
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has given any further consideration to the proposals that his Department should formulate an effective overall waste management policy for the whole country that would meet the needs of both environmental protection and economic objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
126.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is satisfied with the methods of waste disposal by local authorities; and, if not, if he intends to issue instructions to them in the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
As I indicated in reply to a question on 9th April last, overall policy in regard to waste management involves a number of Departments. My primary concern is to ensure that the waste collection and disposal services provided by local authorities are operated adequately and efficiently from both the economic and environmental points of view. As to methods, I believe the existing method of disposal by land fill is the only one that makes economic sense in our circumstances. I cannot say I am entirely happy about the standards of dumping but I believe that standards are improving gradually as a result of the detailed advice and guidance which I have issued to all local authorities in the matter. I have called on the local authorities to reorganise their operations using modern equipment and tipping methods and I have drawn attention to the need for close supervision over private dumping operations.
A specific review of the existing controls on waste collection and disposal has been undertaken in order to see whether new measures are needed to cope with emerging problems, and to assist in giving effect to certain EEC directives. This review is now well advanced. In addition, the Interdepartmental Environment Committee is conducting as examination of the existing arrangements for dealing with pollution control generally, including consideration of problems relating to waste.
When the investigatory work has been completed I shall consider what new measures, if any, fall to be adopted to ensure that local authorities are well geared to deal with the growing waste problem, and to contribute, as may be appropriate, to overall waste management.
