Waste management is a very significant issue in regard to which we have witnessed crisis in recent times. Most people do not realise the seriousness of this issue. As a society we have probably been collectively negligent in our attitude and have not done enough. In the recent past there was a lack of facilities, investment and awareness for which we should all accept responsibility. We have moved into a new era in line with European Union directives. The rate of progress on this issue at European level is a very good teaching block for countries such as Ireland. More than 90% of non-agricultural waste is dumped in landfill sites. While the number of dumps is declining, many more landfill sites have been closed each year and that is a welcome development. EU regulations will strictly limit the kind of waste which can be sent to landfill. A number of landfill sites in Cork have been closed in recent years and the remaining sites will only accept specific types of waste. Municipal waste is increasing by 11% per annum. The proportion of waste being recycled has been in decline in recent years but it is hoped there will be an upsurge. I can say without fear of contradiction that in almost every county, controversy is created when strategies are adopted to deal with the future of waste management. The reasons for the controversy often might not stand up to scrutiny but we must deal with the situation as it is. If change frightens a few people, then so be it. Difficult decisions must be made. In recent years there has been a recognition of the problems due to the lack of a decent waste management strategy. The dissipation of natural resources, the risks to human health, the avoidance of our responsibility to the environment and to future generations, the breaches of our obligations under European law and the limits on our future economic growth are seriously impinged upon by past actions.