Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of fly-tipping here; his plans to increase penalties and enforcement measures to tackle this scourge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36636/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Actions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the local authorities and the office of environmental enforcement and my Department does not compile information on the level of such activity. I am satisfied that appropriate powers are available to these enforcement authorities.

The recently published report of the office of environmental enforcement — the nature and extent of unauthorised waste activity in Ireland — identifies the unauthorised collection and fly-tipping of waste as one of the problem areas in regard to waste management which need to be further tackled. The report draws attention to the measures already being taken, including the appointment of more than 100 additional enforcement officers across the local authorities funded by my Department and the stepped up enforcement activity generally being led by the office and the local authorities. The report also identifies additional actions which would further bolster the effort to stamp out this socially and environmentally unacceptable practice. My Department will liaise with the Office of Environmental Enforcement and other enforcement authorities in ensuring that the momentum to tackle such activities is maintained.