Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:80 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he intends to deal with waste management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27392/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 4 November 2004
Ceisteanna (94, 95, 96)
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his medium and long-term plans for waste management and disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27735/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard J. Durkan
Ceist:224 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for waste management throughout Leinster; if disposal is likely to be by way of landfill, recycling or other means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27690/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 212 and 224 together.
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 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. The implementation of these plans is a matter for the relevant local authorities.