Vol. 543 No. 2
89 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the investigation which has been held by his Department into a recent case where potentially hazardous medical waste was dumped at an illegal site in west County Wicklow; if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate powers to deal with the illegal dumping of such material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26669/01]
Having regard to its functions and responsibilities under the Waste Management Act, 1996, Wicklow County Council is currently investigating the recent incident of unauthorised disposal of health care risk waste in Wicklow and the Environmental Protection Agency is available to provide appropriate support and advice for the council.
I am satisfied that in such cases of illegal dumping, local authorities have adequate powers under the 1996 Act to conduct necessary investigations, secure the removal and safe disposal of waste material, ensure that any necessary site remediation measures are carried out, and take legal proceedings against anyone considered responsible for the activity in question.
