Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to increase the number of recycling centres around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23355/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department operates a capital grants scheme to assist local authorities to provide vital recycling infrastructure from neighbourhood bottle banks to materials recovery facilities. Since the launch of the scheme in 2002, €50 million has been allocated for over 90 projects. In conjunction with measures such as further roll out of segregated collection and pay-by-use charging systems, the scheme is making a tangible difference to our recycling rates which have increased steadily over the period.

My Department is assessing applications for a new round of funding and I expect to be in a position to announce a further tranche of grants in the near future. I am committed to maximising recycling opportunities to allow as many as possible to contribute to achieving our recycling targets and reduce reliance on the disposal of waste to landfill.