Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the lack of adequate recycling facilities and if he has proposals in this regard. [11115/05]

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to an increase in illegal dumping since the introduction of waste charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11030/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 150 together.

The determination of waste management charges is statutorily a matter for the relevant local authority in cases where it acts as the service provider. Where, as commonly occurs, a private operator acts as service provider then that operator will determine the charges. My Department has no function in relation to the setting of these charges.

It is Government policy that household waste collection services should be charged on the basis of usage to ensure a more complete application of the polluter pays principle. In accordance with that policy, as a matter of equity and in order to incentivise recycling, the pay-by-use method of waste charging was introduced nationally from January 2005. My Department is monitoring the operation of the various pay-by-use systems to ensure that public policy in this regard is being complied with.

I am aware of the possibility that increased waste management charges could encourage greater resort to illegal waste dumping. In relation to any such activity, whether prior or subsequent to the introduction of the pay-by-use system, the enforcement of the waste code is a matter for each individual local authority and the Office of Environmental Enforcement.

Very significant powers are available to local authorities under the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Litter Pollution Act 1997 to enable them to tackle illegal waste activity and littering and these powers were further strengthened by the Protection of the Environment Act 2003. Maximum penalties attaching to illegal waste activities were substantially increased in the 2003 Act.

To further assist local authorities in acting on these powers, over €7 million has been allocated from the environment fund to support a more vigorous approach to environmental enforcement, with a particular emphasis on combating dumping and other unauthorised waste activities. This is now being reflected in the presence of additional enforcement personnel on the ground. It is essential that there should be adequate powers and resources available to deal with those who would illegally dispose of their waste.

In relation to the delivery of recycling and recovery infrastructure, since 2002 over €50 million has been allocated nationally from the environment fund in capital grant assistance towards the provision of waste recycling and recovery facilities by local authorities. Recent reports from local authorities indicate that there is a total of approximately 1,800 bring banks, where varying materials are accepted, particularly glass, aluminium cans, paper and textiles. Reports also indicate that there are just under 60 civic amenity sites in operation nationwide. I expect to announce a further significant tranche of capital grants towards the provision of waste recycling and recovery infrastructure in the coming weeks.