Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 960: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he has proposed to deal with the issue of tyres; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these are necessary to assist in the protection of silage and that there is a requirement for more than one per square metre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10291/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has had discussions with the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) with a view to establishing a Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI). These discussions are continuing with the intention of concluding the necessary arrangements for such an initiative later this year. Draft Regulations which will provide a regulatory framework for this PRI have been developed and were published for public consultation last week. In preparing the draft Regulations the Department consulted with the tyre industry and the farming organisations.

There is scope for the beneficial use of waste tyres on farms to anchor silage covers; waste tyres conserve natural resources by serving a useful purpose in replacing other materials which would have had to be used for that purpose.

The draft Regulations provide for the quantity of waste tyres which farmers will be allowed hold for reuse on silage pits. The quantity allowed will depend on the size of the floor area of the silage pit and will be subject to a maximum of 5 tyres per sq metre.

I have publicly stated my concerns in relation to inappropriate practices in relation to the way waste tyres are managed. It is imperative that waste tyres are not subject to unauthorised burning, uncontrolled disposal or the formation of indiscriminate stockpiles. These practices are not acceptable as they can cause nuisance, pose both environmental and health hazards and infringe waste and other environmental legislation.

The proposed regulatory regime provides for the establishment of an industry compliance scheme drawn up by the tyre industry through the Irish Tyre Industry Association of Ireland (ITIA) following discussions. The system to be known as TRACS will provide a verifiable audit trail for the proper management of used tyres.

It is important that a proper regulatory framework be put in place to track waste tyre flows and to encourage the recovery and recycling of this waste resource. I am confident that the new regulatory regime will accomplish that. The draft Regulations are now out for public consultation and written submissions can be made to my Department. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 26 April 2007.