asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding the local authority's decision to go ahead with the siting of a tip-head in Dunmore. County Kilkenny without carrying out an environmental impact report in accordance with his Department's circular P.D. 111/8/20 and EC Directive 85/337.
Written Answers. - Dunmore (County Kilkenny) Tip-head.
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Responsibility for the planning, organisation, authorisation and supervision of waste disposal operations in its functional area is a matter for Kilkenny County Council. I understand that the proposal to site a tip-head at Dunmore is still under consideration by the local authority.
In so far as EC Directive 85/337 and Circular P.D. 111/8/20 are concerned, the position is that it is a matter for the local authority to assess whether or not this type of project should be subjected to an environmental impact assessment, in the light of its effect on the environment and having regard to such factors as the nature, size and location of the project. An environmental impact assessment is required where a project of this nature is likely to have a significant effect on the environment.