Written answers

Thursday, 8 May 2008

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Waste Management

5:00 pm

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 605: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for the Government to drive down the cost of waste management charges to households and businesses. [17952/08]

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 607: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that flat rates on waste disposal will be abolished and a mandatory system of weight related charges introduced. [17954/08]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 605 and 607 together.

Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003 the determination of waste management charges is a matter for the relevant local authority where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges.

Significant regulatory issues, including issues associated with waste charges and the methods for charging for service provision, have emerged as waste management services have rapidly evolved in recent years. I recognise that the existing regulatory framework requires modernisation which will be taken forward in the context of the overall review of national waste management policy, provided for in the Programme for Government, which I have recently initiated. Identification of the changes necessary will also be greatly assisted by the recently published OECD review of the public service, which includes a specific case study on waste management.

The revised approach to the collection of household waste being taken by the Dublin local authorities will further inform what measures may be necessary to underpin sustainable and affordable waste collection services and infrastructure provision, whether delivered by the private or public sectors. In these contexts the appropriate policy responses are being developed and elaborated.

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 606: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish community monitoring arrangements of major waste management facilities. [17953/08]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under the Waste Management Act, 1996 all major waste management facilities are subject to a stringent licensing system which is the statutory responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Agency's role is to ensure the application of high environmental standards with regard to the development, operation, closure and aftercare of such facilities.

While this licensing system is statutorily independent, my Department is aware that monitoring arrangements are already established within certain local authorities. For example the Central Waste Management Facility Community Liaison Committee in Co. Clare uses the medium of Clare County Council's website to make information and minutes of relevant meetings available to the community.

The wide ranging overall review of national waste management policy provided for in the Programme for Government is currently getting underway. The terms of reference of the review are broad in scope; the review will examine in a comprehensive manner the various key aspects of waste management policy and will chart a way forward towards bringing Ireland to the forefront of international best practice.

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