Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue with me.

Waste management planning is the responsibility of local authorities under Part II of the Waste Management Act 1996. I am precluded under section 60(3) of that Act from the exercise of any power or control in the performance by a local authority in particular circumstances of a statutory function vested in it under the Act. To answer the Deputy's question, I did not sign off on anything.

The big issue is that of waste capacity inationally. Waste capacity developments, including any potential pinch point and the coming on stream of additional capacity, are kept under constant review by the three regional waste management planning offices in consultation with the industry, waste regulatory bodies and my Department. On 11 November 2016 the three waste management planning offices circulated a communication to all local authorities advising of a serious and urgent problem with regard to waste operators' lack of access to outlets for the disposal of residual and related waste in the period up to 31 December 2016. The shortfall in the availability of municipal residual waste disposal and treatment capacity is due to a number of issues, including the recent closure to all third parties of the largest landfill site in the country, at Drehid, County Kildare. The shortfall in capacity at the end of this year can be attributed to a very significant reduction in the amount of waste exported in 2016 compared to previous years. In the course of the last week there have been extensive discussions between the various regulatory authorities in seeking solutions to address the difficulties. Such discussions have included the Environment Protection Agency, the County and City Management Association, the regional waste management planning offices and the local authorities.

To prevent or limit potential environmental pollution, Meath and Wicklow County councils have activated the available landfill site capacity at Knockharley and Ballynagran under section 56 of the Waste Management Act 1996. Dublin City Council, as lead authority for the eastern and midlands regional waste management planning office, has also invoked this legislative provision which gives a local authority broad powers to take measures in order to prevent or limit environmental pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency, on foot of applications received, granted technical amendments to the licences for both facilities which provide for the additional intake of waste between now and year end. These actions were necessitated by a serious and urgent scenario that was unfolding. It was, however, a temporary measure, as other waste facilities will become available at the start of January and later in 2017.

My primary concern was to avoid circumstances where waste went uncollected, given the associated public health and environmental risks. Throughout this process I have been kept fully apprised of the discussions and decisions of the relevant regulatory authorities.

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