John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

In accordance with the provisions of the waste management Acts, the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan, including infrastructure provision, is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned, and under section 60(3) of the Act I am precluded from exercising any power or control over the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.

However, it is the role of the Minister and the Government to set the policy framework and I intend that Irish waste policy will focus on maximising what should be seen as a resource. Against that background I have expressed concerns regarding the potential implications of the large-scale Poolbeg waste facility for the more progressive approach to waste management I am determined to pursue.

On 15 July 2010, I published a draft statement of waste policy for public consultation. This set out the various elements being considered as part of the development of a new national waste management policy for the coming decade and beyond with a focus on a resource management approach. There will be clear implications for the provision of waste infrastructure as waste is driven away from residual treatment and towards recycling and reuse.

The consultation closed on 1 October and I am considering the submissions received with a view to bringing a final policy statement to Government for decision at the earliest opportunity. This will provide certainty for those in the waste management sector and a framework within which the necessary legislative changes can be brought forward.

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