Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 811: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is taking to ensure the back-log of farm plastics is collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27905/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 822: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will extend the local authorities pilot scheme for the collection of farmyard plastic; the volume of plastic collected in the pilot areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27986/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 811 and 822 together.

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. This service is free to the farmer and funding to assist the local authorities is being made available from my Department through the Environment Fund. As collections under the Pilot scheme are still under way in a number of pilot areas data on the volume collected is not yet available in my Department. 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.