Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

There is planning permission down there for it. It makes sense that we have it because much of our key industry could be held hostage if we do not have the capacity. It is about getting the balance right. Where we have shown leadership, there has been a remarkable response, such as with the electronic waste. I could not have envisaged a situation 12 months ago in which Ireland would have moved from zero to virtual world leadership. We now have three of the best recycling facilities anywhere in Europe. Commissioner Dimas was here to look at one of the facilities and he could not believe it. Frankly, I could not believe it either. There are 300 people employed in that industry now. Waste should not be regarded as a problem, but as a potential resource.

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