Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
598. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on concerns outlined by the tyre industry regarding the establishment of an organisation (details supplied) and the potential problems for the industry when the scheme is introduced; if he will engage with representatives from the industry to address these concerns directly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7151/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very aware of the concerns of the tyre industry regarding the new structures which I am introducing for tyres. However, the issue of waste tyres in our country needs to be met head on.
I have already met with three representative bodies of the tyre industry. I listened to their concerns and I have done my best to address as many of them as possible. I have also received a lot of support during the extensive consultation that has taken place with the industry for the introduction of the scheme for operators in the tyre market.
One area of concern to the industry is the issue of market distortion. Tyres will be a priority area for enforcement in 2017 for the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities and I will be asking them to give particular attention to the border regions.
Some of the tyre industry also contend that the formalisation of the existing charge, which consumers pay when purchasing a new tyre, will cause a distortion in the market, with non-compliant operators undercutting compliant ones. The regulations that I am introducing will formalise this fee and ensure that all operators will be required to comply and that the fee will be used correctly to support the sound environmental treatment of waste tyres.
The Compliance Scheme will be operated by Repak End of Life Tyres (ELT) with a registration and reporting role for the Producer Register Limited. The scheme will carry out all regulatory functions on behalf of its members. All operators will be obliged to provide data on the numbers of tyres coming on and off the market. This will be the first time that there will be clarity in this regard. It will be mandatory for anyone placing tyres on the market in Ireland to join the compliance scheme.
I am convinced that the new structures will address the lack of regulation in this market to date and address the occurrences of stockpiles of waste tyres that could have a detrimental effect on the environment and human health.
