Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if abandoned cars (details supplied) constitute a fire hazard; and if they will be removed by the Gardaí. [17627/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Waste Management Act, 1996 prohibits the abandonment of vehicles on any land. The Act provides on summary conviction for a fine not exceeding €1,900 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both or, on indictment, for a fine not exceeding €12.7 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both. Continuing offences carry a daily additional fine of up to €250 on summary conviction or €127,000 a day on conviction on indictment.

I am informed that local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency are charged with primary responsibility for the enforcement of the Act. I am further informed that the Garda authorities in the area concerned have a procedure whereby they notify the relevant local authority of any abandoned cars in the area and that arrangements are made to have the cars removed.