Modernising waste management is an urgent priority, in order to support social and economic development and effective environmental protection. Access to adequate waste services and infrastructure is a significant consideration in investment decisions at both national and local level. Current shortcomings in this regard represent a potential impediment to continued inward investment, as well as a threat to environmental quality.
Meaningful and comprehensive planning is a key prerequisite to improved waste management performance, and considerable effort has been devoted at national, regional and local level to delivering effective results in this regard.
Following the enactment of the Waste Management (Amendment) Act, 2001, all local authorities have now made waste management plans, most on a regional basis, and are now engaged in plan implementation. In addition, a national hazardous waste management plan was published by the Environmental Protection Agency in July.
I am satisfied that the implementation of these local, regional and national waste management plans will result in a modern and environmentally sustainable waste management system that will enable us to meet our national prevention and recovery objectives and also support the requirements of our growing economy.