Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is correct. I am familiar with the industry. I would like to strike a note of caution. Deputies are familiar with Adam Smith's comment that when two businessmen get together, they sometimes conspire against the public interest. A degree of special pleading is taking place, particularly on the part of the Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants. The basic argument being made is that if a certain amount of landfill tonnage capacity is available, it can be uneconomical to move into the waste-to-energy industry. In 2001, less than four years of landfill capacity remained in Dublin, which was dangerous. Less than five years of capacity is available in Dublin at present, which means that we are not exactly out of the woods. The level of capacity that is generally available nationally will last for approximately eight years. That is probably a prudent approach, given that any other approach will need a long lead-in time.

The Deputy's point about making it easier for people to recycle was well made. One of the most dramatic things to happen here in that regard was the increase in the roll-out of household segregation facilities. Such an approach to recycling is becoming the norm, rather than the exception, and is producing critical tonnages. The decision I made last year on waste electrical and electronic equipment led to the development of three recycling facilities and the creation of over 300 jobs. Bring banks and civic amenity centres are part and parcel of this process. The 80th civic amenity centre in this country is about to be opened. I agree with Deputy O'Dowd that such facilities have to be made available. The V & W facility in Dundalk, for example, is marvellous, amazing and astonishing. People meet there because it is seen as a place of social gathering.

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