John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 965: 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 problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11691/08]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 1000: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to combat widespread illegal dumping of rubbish particularly in rural areas in view of the fact that local authorities do not have the budget to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12258/08]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 1016: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to combat widespread illegal dumping of rubbish particularly in rural areas in view of the fact that local authorities do not have the budget to tackle the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12405/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 965, 1000 and 1016 together.

Actions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE). I am satisfied that appropriate powers are available to these enforcement authorities. The OEE's 2005 report, 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 120 additional enforcement officers across the local authorities funded by my Department, and the increased enforcement activity generally being led by the Office and the local authorities. The report also identifies additional actions which would further support the effort to stamp out this socially and environmentally unacceptable practice. The implementation of these actions is being coordinated by the OEE through its National Enforcement Network.

Data from the OEE show that in 2006 there were 32,048 inspections of which 21,823 related to illegal dumping (mostly litter and fly-tipping). There were 26,038 on the spot litter fines issued, and 531 litter prosecutions secured. There were in excess of 2,186 non-litter waste enforcement notices and 350 non-litter waste related prosecutions. This represents a very significant quantum of enforcement and has resulted in a substantial reduction in major illegal activity. In addition, local authorities have since 2004 reported on their performance in relation to 42 indicators of service, covering all aspects of local government activity. There are specific service indicators on litter prevention and enforcement, and environmental complaints and enforcement. The indicators are at present being refined for 2008 further to improve the capture and monitoring of data in these areas. Data collected for 2006 (the most recent available) indicate that some 65,000 environmental complaints were investigated and 9,878 enforcement procedures were taken.