Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the projected waste management disposal requirements for the future; the extent to which is it expected to meet these requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4289/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Waste management infrastructure requirements in each region are identified in regional waste management plans by the relevant local authority or group of local authorities. These plans are under review at present and I expect that they will identify the range of waste management infrastructure required to deliver an integrated waste management strategy maximising the reuse, recycling and recovery options and dealing with residual waste in the most environmentally sustainable way possible.

Local authorities are responsible for delivering on the requirements identified in their plans, whether through direct provision, public private partnerships or through co-operation with private sector operators. Where local authorities identify infrastructure needs in their waste management plans, that must be seen as a real commitment to ensuring that need is addressed, and in a timely fashion. I will expect regions to report on progress in meeting the needs identified in their plans and to maintain the current momentum in addressing existing deficits and developing a truly integrated, well-managed and well-regulated set of waste management facilities.