Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
168 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response he has received from local authorities to his policy directive under section 60 of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended, regarding action against illegal waste activity and the movement of waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30441/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May 2005, I issued a policy direction to local authorities and the EPA under section 60(2) of the Waste Management Act 1996 in regard to the further action to be taken against illegal waste activity and to clarify, in the context of waste infrastructure provision, the appropriate interpretation of the proximity principle in regard to the inter-regional movement of waste. In performing their waste management functions, waste regulatory authorities are now required to have regard to this direction.
I am satisfied that the EPA's office of environmental enforcement and the relevant local authorities are proceeding to deal with illegal waste activity in the manner required by the direction. In particular, this is evidenced in the concerted and integrated approach to dealing with this form of environmental crime which is being developed and implemented by the OEE's national enforcement network. In addition to the local authorities concerned, this network also includes representation from my Department, the Garda Síochána and the authorities in Northern Ireland.
As required by the direction, local authorities are placing particular emphasis, in the current review of their waste management plans, on identifying sites at which waste disposal or recovery operations have been carried on and on the need for any associated risk assessment and remediation. In further support of the direction, the EPA is developing a methodology to assist such risk assessments. I am also aware of individual authorities stepping up actions to deal with cases of illegal deposition of waste in accordance with the direction, for example, the Coolnamadra case in County Wicklow.
