Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 2

Written Answers. - Paper Disposal/Recycling.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

248 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give the facilities which are available throughout the country for paper recycling; and his views on the prospect for the setting up of waste paper collection points which would, as in the case of bottle banks, allow people to dispose of waste paper in a constructive and environmentally friendly fashion.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Browne

Wexford): Many different operators and facilities are involved in the collection of waste paper for recycling purposes throughout the country; some of these have been assisted under my Department's recycling grants scheme. However, my Department does not have details of all the interests involved.

There is substantial capacity in Ireland for the recycling of cardboard and office white materials. Most other paper forms, including newsprint, are largely exported for recycling. The extent to which paper recovery for recycling can be further developed will depend to a large degree on the markets available for materials collected.

These matters arise for consideration in the context of the national strategy which I am preparing to optimise recycling generally in this country. I propose to hold a consultative seminar in the near future to consider the views and suggestions submitted by various interets on the major recycling study which was published earlier this year.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

249 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment when work will commence on the new library for Listowel, County Kerry.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

Detailed plans for a new branch library in Listowel were approved in December, 1992. The submission of proposals in relation to the acceptance of a tender is awaited.