Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the reply but I am quite disappointed because this is a facility that cost €48 million and it is lying idle. All that I am asking is that the Department communicates with the city and county councils about the facility in a residential area. The last sentence of the reply refers to giving us control over a valuable resource and the scope to support and create jobs. A facility in the middle of a residential area is causing major problems to the residents and the Department has a responsibility. While the Department did not directly fund the cost of the landfill facility in Bottlehill, it was borrowed money and the debt is being serviced by the local authorities. I am open to correction but the cost of servicing it comes from the ratepayers and taxpayers in the country. The Department and the Government still have responsibility to ensure every cent spent is used wisely and in the proper manner. I am not convinced.

In fairness to Cork County Council, it has issued a request for information about engaging with private enterprise. This includes waste separation and recycling facilities. This invites the private sector to make submissions. Each solution proposed must include, as a minimum, the financing of any works required to deliver a proposed solution. The solution proposed may include, but is not restricted to, the solutions listed, which includes waste separation and recycling facilities. With regard to the use of the facility at Bottlehill, the Minister should communicate with the relevant local authorities to see whether we can progress the matter and resolve two problems at once.