Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 May 2018
173. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to help county councils deal with incidents of illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24039/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIllegal dumping is first and foremost a matter of individual responsibility and compliance with the law. While enforcement action in this area is a matter in the first instance for local authorities, the Department encourages a multi-facetted approach to tackling the problem, incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education. Last year my Department developed the 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. Overall, funding of €1.3 million was provided to local authorities under the 2017 anti-dumping initiative and further details of the funding provided to each local authority and the successful 200 projects nationwide is available on my Department’s website at:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/waste/enforcement/anti-dumping-initiative/Pages/default.aspx.
This year, I announced an increased allocation of €2 million to build on the momentum that has now been created and to provide for an increased focus on identifying and prosecuting those who choose to dump illegally.
In April, I announced the projects nationwide that have been approved for funding as part of the 2018 ADI programme with the full list available on my Department's website at:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/waste/enforcement/anti-dumping-initiative/Pages/default.aspx.
The scope of the projects include:
- clean-up operations - removing illegal waste from across the country;
- household bulky waste initiatives – mattress/couch amnesties;
- awareness campaigns – social media campaigns & radio;
- preventative measures – installation of signage and fencing;
- surveillance operations – CCTV, drone and trail surveillance;
- SMART enforcement equipment and resources for waste enforcement officers.
In addition to the 200 plus projects that will receive funding from my Department, this year's Anti-Dumping Initiative includes a national pilot project undertaken by Sligo County Council aimed at tackling and addressing the source of illegal dumping through an Eircodes investigation. Funding is also being made available to support the Connaught/Ulster Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority in undertaking research on crime in the waste sector including an overview of the scale, cost and impact of waste crime in Ireland, and an assessment of illegal dumping identifying the socio-economic and other factors leading to such activities.
