Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
581. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans to develop a zero waste policy requirement for event organisers and vendors hosting events in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20571/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA diverse range of events take place in the Phoenix Park each year and all event organisers are currently required to produce a detailed "Litter & Waste Management Plan" prior to receiving permission to use the Park. Event organisers are encouraged to recycle and reuse as much as possible in order to reduce the volume of waste generated.
The Office of Public Works has also adopted the ethics of "Leave No Trace" and encourages all visitors to follow the seven principles of this programme. The "Leave No Trace" programme raises awareness of responsible outdoor recreation and helps people understand how their actions impact on parks and outdoor environments.
The Office of Public Works, through its new statement of strategy, will ensure that sustainability informs all of OPW’s decision making and intends to review its existing Sustainability Policy. In this context we will review waste management policies for third parties using our sites, in particular the Phoenix Park, and will update our policies to specifically seek event organisers to avoid the generation of waste through life cycle thinking, reuse and recycling.
