Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Department’s policy in respect of landfill sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23077/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 30 September 2004
Ceisteanna (243)
Freagraí scríofa
Government policy on waste management is set out in the policy documents Changing our Ways 1998, Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change 2002 and Taking Stock and Moving Forward 2004. The Government's approach is based on the internationally recognised waste management hierarchy of prevention/minimisation, significantly increased levels of recycling, energy recovery and, finally, utilising landfill as the last resort for residual waste that cannot otherwise be recovered.
Local authorities have adopted waste management plans which, informed by the performance targets set out in these policy statements, call for the provision of modern integrated waste management services and infrastructure. A decision on the development of a landfill facility is a matter for the relevant planning authority and for the EPA in the context of applications for planning permission and for a waste licence, respectively. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is precluded under both legal codes from exercising any direct control in relation to these processes.