Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 13 and 119 together.

Irish waste management policy is based on the internationally recognised integrated approach to waste management, the main emphasis of which is on waste prevention, reuse and recycling. Landfill is the least preferable option from an environmental perspective. It is planned to decrease its contribution over time as recycling levels increase and alternative infrastructure becomes available. Significant landfill capacity is required in the short term until alternative treatment is available for non-recyclable material. Some landfill capacity will be needed for residual waste in the longer term. Various policy instruments are available to ensure that the role of landfill is consistent with national waste policy, including the landfill levy being applied. Other instruments can be developed if required.

The diversion of waste from landfill sites will be driven by the implementation of the national biowaste strategy, which I published recently. The strategy sets out a comprehensive approach to achieving the target of increasing the level of diversion from 630,000 tonnes of biowaste in 2004 to 1.8 million tonnes by 2016. The strategy was finalised following a thorough and detailed process of consultation with all the stakeholders. I am confident that this ambitious target will be met as successfully as we have met the target for recycling. According to the latest data, the overall rate of recycling in 2004 was almost 34%, compared to 9% in 1998. The national target, to be achieved by 2013, is 35%. We have already passed the 2013 target. The position is even more dramatic in respect of packaging waste. The rate of recycling of such waste was 56% in 2004. We have already met the key target of 50% by 2005, which was set by the European Union. These achievements have been supported since 2002 by the provision to local authorities of approximately €100 million in grant assistance in respect of recycling facilities.

The planning authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency are responsible for determining the number and scale of individual facilities, having regard to the relevant regional waste management plan and national policy. I have issued a policy direction to facilitate a more rational use of waste management facilities. The direction clarifies for planning authorities and the EPA the national policy position on inter-regional movements of waste. As Members are aware, one used to be allowed to export waste from Kildare to Germany, but not from Kildare to an adjoining county, which was ridiculous.

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