John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the orders he will issue to Sligo County Council to address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastics by operating on a pilot basis a free service in 2006 where farmers may deposit stockpiled farm plastics; if he will ensure that the necessary funding is ring-fenced for Sligo County Council for this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25300/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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To address the issue of accumulated backlogs of farm plastic, designated facilities are being provided this year on a temporary basis by local authorities where farmers may deposit stockpiled farm film plastic and silage wrap. This is operating on a pilot basis in the first instance in Counties Galway, Clare, Mayo, Offaly and Waterford. It is planned to roll out this service to other areas after the initial trial, which will assist in determining the quantities of plastic likely to be recovered for recycling under this initiative. This service will be free to the farmer and funding to assist the local authorities will be made available from my Department through the Environment Fund. Collections have commenced in most pilot areas.