Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 4

Written Answers. - Clinical Waste Disposal.

Patrick McCartan

Ceist:

26 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has considered the recent report of the Dublin Corporation environmental health officer on the disposal of clinical waste from Dublin hospitals; if he will outline his proposals to address the problems highlighted in the report; and his views on the provision of a central incinerator for the greater Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

I have seen the report in question. The disposal of hospital wastes is covered in a general way by the European Communities (Waste) Regulations 1979, and, in the case of incineration of these wastes, by the Air Pollution Act, 1987. This Act places a general obligation on the occupiers of non-domestic premises, including hospitals, to use the best practical means to prevent or limit emissions, and on the occupiers of all premises not to cause or permit emissions which are a nuisance.

More specifically, the licensing of all new incinerators is now required under the Air Pollution Act, 1987, and licensing may be extended by order to existing incinerators. The Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 1990, provides expressly for the licensing by the agency of the incineration of hospital waste, on the basis of integrated pollution control.

I understand that plans are at an advanced stage for the provision of a central incinerator to dispose safely of the clinical waste from all the Dublin hospitals. Any such proposal would be subject to the normal planning and environmental controls which include environmental impact assessment.