Robert Troy
Ceist:2086. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce stronger penalties for illegal dumping as a deterrent. [34567/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (2086, 2122)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:2122. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he has taken or proposes to take to assist the EPA and local authorities in being more effective in taking enforcement action against illegal waste handling and dumping in view of the situations revealed by a documentary (details supplied) recently; and his plans to propose legislative changes in that regard. [35187/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2086 and 2122 together.
Since coming into office, illegal dumping is an issue that I have actively dealt with through significant funding increases and supports for local authorities. My Department works to support and assist local authorities in tackling difficult enforcement challenges, alleviating environmental risk and prosecuting cases in the appropriate courts.
Issues concerning the enforcement of waste legislation are statutory matters for local authorities or the Environmental Protection Agency as appropriate, who both have significant powers under waste regulations to secure compliance from waste operators. The role of my Department is to provide a comprehensive legislative and policy framework through which the enforcement authorities operate.
My commitment to supporting waste enforcement activities on the ground is demonstrated through the continued annual investment of €7.4 million in the network of 150 local authority waste enforcement officers, increased resources for the Environmental Protection Agency with an allocation of €34.8 million this year and the further development of the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority (WERLA) Offices with an annual budget in excess of €1 million. My Department has also provided €3.3 million to support the national anti-dumping initiative in the past two years.
I regard the introduction of the WERLA model as one of the most significant reforms introduced in the local authority sector in a decade. Through this structure and with the cooperation of local authority waste enforcement personnel, a more co-ordinated and consistent approach to tackling waste crime in Ireland is being achieved. Using a concerted action approach to national waste priorities and with the use of multi-agency operations, the WERLAs, working with local authorities, have secured several important environmental outcomes. Building on an established work plan, the WERLA’s will continue this approach throughout 2018 and will endeavour to build on success and learn from target outcomes to drive improved regulation and enforcement throughout Ireland.
Penalties under the Waste Management Act are already substantial. Persons who are found to be responsible for, or involved in, the unauthorised disposal of waste are liable to a maximum fine of €5,000 on summary conviction and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months, and to a maximum fine of €15 million on conviction on indictment and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
There have been instances of individuals jailed for offences committed under the Waste Management Act and in 2015 the Environmental Protection Agency secured a record €20 million fine against a company for causing pollution at a former landfill in Co. Kildare.
My Department has previously issued a policy direction to local authorities which remains in force, instructing them to pursue illegal holders of waste in accordance with the maximum potential sanctions available under the law in order to maximise the deterrent factor and aim to eliminate the economic benefit deriving from such illegal activity.