Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 1

Written Answers. - Waste Management.

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

56 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals he has to make a special grant available to local authorities to enable them to proceed with their recycling, re-use and reduction of waste without having to pass on the extra cost to householders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27618/00]

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

Current and proposed regional waste management plans aim to achieve the ambitious waste recovery targets specified in the policy statement changing our ways. Over the period ahead, my Department will be providing practical support and assistance to local authorities as they address the delivery of the services and infrastructure provided for in these plans.

The national development plan anticipates £650 million of capital investment in waste management in the period to 2006, and operational costs may also be expected to increase significantly.

Major infrastructural requirements can best be addressed through the establishment of public private partnerships delivering integrated regional solutions. Additionally, local authorities will provide or arrange for the provision of, supporting waste recovery infrastructure, as well as segregation at source and separate collection of recyclable and organic materials for waste recovery purposes.

Changing our ways places a strong emphasis on the need to give effect to the polluter pays principle in financing the provision of waste services by or on behalf of local authorities. Within each region, it is essential that local authorities move rapidly towards full cost recoupment for the waste services that they provide by means of use related waste charges levied on all waste producers, including households and commercial/ business concerns.

Within this overall context, EU/Exchequer support of £100 million will be available under the NDP, through the regional operational programmes for the period to 2006 in respect of the provision of waste recovery infrastructure. It is envisaged that financial support will be made available towards planning/procurement costs associated with the delivery of major regional infrastructure and the capital cost of recycling infrastructure, for instance, civic amenity sites and materials recovery facilities, provided for in regional and local plans.

The forthcoming policy statement on waste prevention and recovery will outline a range of measures that will be undertaken to minimise waste generation and ensure a sustained expansion in national recycling performance.

Overall, local authorities generally will receive a significant level of financial assistance and support in their implementation of the waste recovery and recycling objectives of the waste management plans currently being adopted.