Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 487: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recent guidelines he has issued to the EPA with respect to dumping and remedial issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12020/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I have indicated that it is my intention, using the powers available to me under section 60 of the Waste Management Act 1996, to issue a policy direction in regard to the approach which the appropriate authorities should take to illegally deposited waste and those responsible for it. This policy direction is now being finalised.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he made a submission to the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to a waste licence application for a company (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the details of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12025/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Waste Management Act 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency has statutory responsibility for waste licensing and is independent in the discharge of its functions. In accordance with article 18(1) of the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency forwarded a copy of a waste licence application relating to the case in question and a copy of the environmental impact assessment, EIS, accompanying the application to my Department.

The application and the accompanying documentation was assessed by the relevant personnel from the national parks and wildlife service of the Department. A response issued to the agency on 2 March 2005. The response stated that the Department was concerned with the proximity of the site to Carrigower River, which is part of the Slaney River candidate special area of conservation, and the resultant potential risk of pollution to the river. Accordingly, a recommendation was made that the licence should not be granted. A number of specific issues relating to nature conservation issues and the EIS were also outlined in this response.