Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

Friends of the Earth correctly raises the option of using methane gas from landfill, which is happening in Ballinasloe where the local landfill has been closed. The organisation also refers to its worries about waste incineration, an issue that should be re-examined.

Significant funding has been invested and research conducted on the uses of the gas emitting from the landfill in Ballinasloe. I am glad local authorities have moved from using small landfills to using major landfills, which can be used as a last resort, as described in the Government's strategy.

We have some way to go in providing an appropriate waste infrastructure. The Government has mentioned the need for a waste regulator to ensure the market functions properly and fairly, which I welcome. Emphasis should be placed on improving public understanding of waste disposal because the community will gain. A landfill is run in Kilconnell, County Galway, by Greenstar, a private operator that came in when the local authority would not decide where its landfill should be. Additional funding has been provided for environmental facilities, road development and amenities in the area. However, local input is needed in conjunction with that of the company and the local authority and much discussion is taking place to improve local amenities.

The Office of Environmental Enforcement has also published a report dealing with illegal waste activity. I am glad large-scale dumping is being tackled because it was horrendous, especially in 2002. Improved North-South co-operation has also reduced illegal cross-Border movement of waste. However, fly-tipping must be tackled, as must door-to-door operators who collect waste illegally and burn it in their backyards, resulting in significant toxic emissions.

The local authority system to license operators is welcome but I do not like illegal operators participating in waste disposal. The Office of Environmental Enforcement has powers under 2003 legislation and can impose penalties for illegal waste disposal. The message should be sent out loud and clear that anyone who damages the environment or puts public health at risk will be held to account for his or her actions and the Minister has, on many occasions, reiterated this message.

The Environmental Protection Agency published a report recently on drinking water in Ireland. This is important in the context of the threat of pollution from waste. I am glad public water supplies scored positively but there is concern about private water schemes, which use wells or springs as their source, because they are not monitored sufficiently. The EPA stated 10% of private schemes and 26% of public schemes were not monitored, which is worrying. Local authorities should address the issue.

The EPA has also invited local authorities to participate in a waste prevention demonstration grant aid programme with an emphasis on packaging and I hope every local authority will avail of it. Local authorities have identified 280 major producers that are not enforcing packaging regulations. However, 138 producers have joined REPAK while 40 intend to do so so they are in compliance with the scheme. At least 37 producers are non-compliant and I presume action will be taken against them by local authorities. Incentives have been provided while fines, penalties and so on can be imposed. I would like more progress on that scheme.