Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
542 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost to date to the State of the clean-up at a location (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the total projected cost for this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26220/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra543 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the work undertaken to date in clearing sites at a location (details supplied); the most recent correspondence he has had with the county council on this matter; if any assurances have been given by the council in relation to the work to be undertaken and the timeframe for completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26221/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 543 together.
The sites referred to in the questions were cited in relation to the European Court of Justice judgement in Case C 494/01 as an example of Ireland's failure to comply with the 1975 Waste Framework Directive. My Department, on behalf of the State, has been liaising with the European Commission to ensure that the requirements of the judgement are fully met. The Commission is concerned, as I am, to secure the urgent remediation of the sites, a concern underlined by an additional letter of formal notice issued on 30 September 2010, which indicated that the Commission might refer the case back to the Court of Justice for financial penalties to be imposed against Ireland for failure to comply with the judgment.
It is in these circumstances that my Department, in 2011, requested Wicklow County Council to remediate both sites, pursuant to its powers under section 56 of the Waste Management Act 1996. The Whitestown site is being dealt with initially and the council, working with the Environmental Protection Agency, has established a technical working group to oversee a programme of detailed investigation of the areas of illegal waste at that site. The purpose of this programme, which I understand is now complete, is to gain a greater understanding of the nature, character and distribution of the waste and to assist in determining the requirements for the site's remediation. My Department is in ongoing contact with Wicklow County Council in relation to these sites and I understand that following a procurement process, remediation work will commence in the Autumn.
The cost of remediation will be dependent on the technical approach taken to remediation and on the outcome of the tendering process. The costs involved will be funded in the first instance by the State, with Wicklow County Council seeking cost recovery through the Courts. To date, my Department has recouped some €1.3 million to Wicklow County Council in relation to the Whitestown site and further payments are anticipated for that site during 2012, and in respect of the Castleruddery site which it is envisaged will also be addressed this year.
As the matter is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate to comment further.
