Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 December 2017
200. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if approval will be given to allow for on-site incineration of invasive weeds (details supplied); his plans to counteract potential impacts of these invasive weeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53506/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing discussions between the Environmental Protection Agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Biodiversity Ireland, it was suggested that the level of regulation required for the management of waste arising from the cutting or excavation of invasive alien plant species may be disproportionate to the risk of environmental pollution posed by such activities.
Accordingly, in Autumn 2017, my Department sought submissions from a number of stakeholders on the possibility of an amendment to the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations, 2007 (S.I. 821 of 2007) as amended, whereby treating alien invasive plant species on-site could be authorised by a local authority under a certificate of registration. Such an approach would also require an amendment to the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 286 of 2009) as amended.
My Department is currently reviewing the submissions received with a view to engaging with the waste regulatory authorities on this issue again in early 2018.
