Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
1128. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the full details of a new initiative launched on 13 March 2017 to crack down on illegal dumping that will include the greater use of smart technology and more community engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1145. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if it is expected that the spending increase on prevention of illegal dumping will be continued into future fiscal years; the amount of the added expense that will be offset by the revenue from fines collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14142/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1128 and 1145 together.
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to work with local authorities to tackle the problem of illegal dumping and to develop effective deterrents to discourage people from engaging in this anti-social behaviour. In accordance with this commitment, my Department has developed an Anti-Dumping Initiative to work in partnership with local authorities and community organisations in identifying high risk or problem areas, developing appropriate enforcement responses and carrying out clean-up operations.
Applications for funding from local authorities have been invited for consideration by the relevant Waste Enforcement Regional Local Authority (WERLA) subject to the selection criteria developed for this purpose. This includes monitoring and surveillance of dumping black-spots and the development of an integrated and effective approach to dealing with this issue.
An allocation of €650,000 from the Environment Fund has been made to support this initiative. Funding will be prioritised for projects where community groups and other state agencies work in partnership to clean-up and prevent illegal dumping and where effective enforcement actions are being undertaken by local authorities.
While no decision has yet been taken with respect to funding beyond 2017, it is anticipated that the investment now being made in equipping local authorities with the latest technologies available to support enforcement of our waste laws will deliver improved enforcement outcomes year on year and result in an increase in revenue from fines collected. Financial penalties for serious dumping offences available under the Waste Management Acts are substantial and range from a maximum fine of €3,000 on summary conviction to a maximum fine of €15 million on conviction on indictment and represent an opportunity to significantly defray enforcement and clean up costs.
