Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:39 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that a policy of recycling is rigidly followed by each local authority. [18405/95]
Written Answers. - Waste Recycling Policy.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:98 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the number of applications his Department has received to assist with recycling projects; if he will give a breakdown of the projects funded and the projects not funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18501/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 98 together.
The Government strategy document "Recycling for Ireland" provides that local authorities should have an active role in the development of waste recycling.
Local authorities will be supported in this enhanced role by way of the provisions of the Waste Bill, 1995, and by the new grant assistance for waste management planning and recycling which is being made available under the waste management sub-programme of the operational programme for environmental services. Details of this grant assistance will be published very shortly and applications will be invited from interested local authorities and private sector operators.
Since 1989, my Department has provided 92 grants to a total value of £2.1 million from Exchequer funds under recycling grants schemes. A small number of further grant payments is anticipated before end-1995.
My Department has already been active in promoting increased recycling activity by local authorities, for example through a seminar on waste management organised for senior local authorities officials in October 1995. This promotion of recycling will be continued.