Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 3

Written Answers. - Waste Management.

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

55 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the mounting waste disposal problems, particularly having regard to the fact that many landfill sites are facing closure within two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5975/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. D. Wallace)

Section 22 of the Waste Management Act, 1996, requires local authorities to make waste management plans in respect of their functional areas. These are now being prepared on a regional and local basis having regard to national policy set out in the 1998 statement, Changing our Ways, and with statutory objectives to prevent or minimise the production and harmful nature of waste; encourage and support the recovery of waste; ensure that such waste as cannot be prevented or recovered is safely disposed of, and address the need to give effect to the polluter pays principle, in relation to waste disposal.

While reducing reliance on landfill is a key national objective, it is acknowledged that situa tions may arise where local authorities face an imminent shortage of waste disposal capacity. In this regard, advice on addressing short-term landfill capacity problems is contained in Changing Our Ways, on the basis that interim solutions should not prejudice the outcome of longer-term strategic solutions.

A number of measures are in train to support the efforts of local authorities to deliver a radically improved waste management performance. Investment of £650 million in waste management infrastructure is indicated in the national development plan, and this will be largely funded by public-private partnerships. A specially resourced unit has been set up in my Department to pursue the implementation of public-private partnership arrangements, and this will provide advice for local authorities with regard to procurement of necessary waste management infrastructure.

My Department has formally invited the construction industry to develop proposals for a producer responsibility initiative aimed at meeting proposed recovery targets for construction and demolition waste, and this is being progressed by a special task force of the forum for the construction industry. The motor industry has also been invited to develop proposals in relation to end-of-life vehicles, while initial discussions have taken place with industry concerning waste electronic and electrical equipment.

A policy statement on recycling and waste recovery generally is currently in preparation. This policy document will address the factors and practical considerations which are relevant to the achievement of Government policy objectives in this area, and outline the scope of measures which will be undertaken in support of better recycling performance.