Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2018
478. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the capacity constraints with regard to handling Ireland’s waste volumes; and the way in which future municipal and industrial waste streams will be managed in the short and medium term to match the projected rise in population. [20970/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaste management planning is the responsibility of local authorities under Part II of the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended). In this regard, waste management plans for the Connacht-Ulster, Eastern Midlands and Southern Regions were made in May 2015. The plans comprehensively set out clear strategies, policies and actions to address the prevention, generation, collection and management of waste in the State for the period 2015 to 2021. The development and implementation of the plans will give effect to national and EU waste management policies and legislation. The plans are available at: http://southernwasteregion.ie/content/southern-region-waste-management-plan-2015-2021-associated-reports ;
http://emwr.ie/about-the-eastern-midlands-regional-waste-management-plan ; and
http://www.curwmo.ie/publications/ .
Under section 60(3) of that Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance, in specific cases, by a local authority of their statutory functions under the Act. However, my Department has and will continue to engage with the three Regional Waste Management Planning Lead Authorities and other environmental regulatory bodies on the issue of having sufficient capacity and systems in place to ensure that we continue to live in healthy communities and that protection is afforded to our environment.
