Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Cummins for raising this issue. Waste management issues have assumed increasing importance, both locally and nationally. From being the Cinderella of the environmental service, integrated and coherent waste management policy and infrastructure are now seen as critical to environmental sustainability.

Improving our waste management infrastructure is vital in achieving ambitious recycling and recovery targets, as set out in the Department's policy document "Changing our Ways" and reaffirmed in last year's document "Taking Stock and Moving Forward". I am committed to ensuring we remain on target and perhaps exceed the targets set.

The EPA's national waste database 2003 interim report shows that of about 3 million tonnes of municipal waste generated in that year, over 28% was recovered. This is a massive increase on previous years. This continues the positive trend over the past two years and suggests we may significantly exceed our diversion of municipal waste from landfill target of 35% by 2013. Household recovery rates remain relatively low at 13% and although they are improving all the time it will be a challenge to deliver a household waste recovery and recycling rate of 50% by 2013.

In order to meet these targets, capital funding is being provided to local authorities for a range of recycling and recovery facilities. So far, some €50 million has been provided for over 90 projects. In addition, ongoing support is given towards the current costs of operating these facilities, €7 million last year alone, to help local authorities maximise the accessibility of the facilities. This package of measures is further supported by the provision of block grants for environmental enforcement and environmental awareness.

Waterford County Council has been allocated €5,680,000 in grant assistance for civic amenity sites, composting facilities, bring banks and a materials recovery facility. Last year alone almost €330,000 was provided towards the operating costs of these facilities. A block grant of €212,000 was provided again in 2004 to support Waterford County Council's programme of enforcement regarding waste activities, helping secure a very visible on the ground enforcement presence. The south-east region, of which Waterford County Council is a part for waste management planning purposes, has also been given €110,000. This grant is to enable the region to create a better awareness of the provisions of the plan for the area, the key role it plays in supporting the overall campaign and the progress being made on the plan's implementation.

While high levels of Government support are being provided, local authorities must themselves also take a strong role in addressing waste management issues, particularly where there are historical problems to be dealt with. While we have moved from a background of many poorly-managed landfills to far fewer and much more regulated facilities, there are still problems to be dealt with from the older, little-regulated regime. We must ensure that existing and new landfills have a minimum impact on our environment and operate within EU legal requirements. This is a major challenge for local authorities, but given that they are continuously developing their expertise in waste management, it is one which I am confident they will be able to meet.