Vol. 571 No. 1
1264 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a permit system to burn or otherwise destroy dead and old timber, in view of the increasing prevalence of wood worm and other wood attacking insects; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty and damage this is causing homes in the vicinity of wooded areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19929/03]
The approach in environmental law is to ensure that the disposal, by combustion or otherwise, of waste materials is managed in such a manner as to minimise or eliminate any negative effects on health and on the environment locally, regionally and globally. The Waste Management Act 1996 places a general duty on the holder of waste not to hold, transport, recover or dispose of waste in a manner that causes or is likely to cause environmental pollution. Local authorities have specific powers under the Act to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit environmental pollution caused by the holding or disposal of waste, and mitigate or remedy the effects on the environment of any such activity.
Under the Air Pollution Act 1987, the occupier of any premises other than a private dwelling is required to use the best practicable means to limit and, if possible, to prevent an emission of a pollutant to the atmosphere from such premises. In addition, the occupier of any premises is prohibited from causing or permitting an emission in such a quantity or manner as to be a nuisance. Local authorities have powers under the Act to serve a notice on the occupier of any premises from which there is an emission specifying the measures necessary to prevent or limit air pollution. The issue of preventing wood worm and other wood attacking insects in dead and old timber from causing damage to houses in the vicinity of woodlands may be one of best practice in forestry management, and this would be a matter to be addressed by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources or one of the agencies under his aegis.
1265 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the position of the Government on the Kyoto Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19969/03]
Ireland ratified the Kyoto protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, on 31 May 2002, along with all other EU member states. The Irish Government, primarily through my Department, is working within the EU to encourage the Russian Federation to progress its ratification to ensure the protocol enters into force at the earliest possible date. Our Kyoto obligations arise in the commitment period 2008-12. The Government's national climate change strategy published in November 2000 comprises a systematic programme towards meeting these obligations and sets a ten year policy framework for achieving the necessary emissions reductions. I am reviewing the strategy with the aim of finalising this review by year-end.
