Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009
458 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the most efficient, reliable, cost effective and safe method of waste disposal as agreed internationally; the extent to which he intends to implement such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43382/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra459 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has examined the implications of the recent international report on waste management; if the cost implications of all waste disposal systems are being carefully examined with a view to alleviating the burden on the taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43383/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos. 458 and 459 together.
Government policy in relation to waste management is grounded in the internationally recognised hierarchy of waste options. The most favoured option is waste prevention, followed by minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery and the least favoured option of disposal to landfill. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive to divert waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years.
The Programme for Government agreed in 2007 included a number of objectives relating to waste management, among them a commitment to carry out an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and to act on the conclusions. An important milestone was reached recently with the delivery of the report of consultants engaged to carry out a study to underpin the conclusion of the review. This report will act as a launching pad for putting in place the policies that we now need to mark a new departure in our approach to waste management. I intend to develop a new policy statement on waste management arising from the recommendations in the report, which I shall bring to Government as soon as possible in 2010. This will set a policy context which will ensure that waste management services are delivered by the public and private sectors in an environmentally progressive and cost efficient manner.
Also, in conjunction with the launch of the report, I announced increases to the landfill levy to drive waste from landfill in order to meet the challenging EU targets. The levy will increase to €30 per tonne by 2010, to €50 in 2011 and to €75 in 2012. This will have the effect of driving our waste higher up the waste hierarchy. These charges should not increase costs to consumers. We have seen significant drops in landfill gate prices in recent years, but no comparable drop in waste charges.
Combined with changes to the way the waste market is organised and by continuing to alter our approach to how we manage our waste through the rationalisation of waste services this should ultimately lead to a more cost efficient service for users of public and private waste management services.
