David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1498 and 1499 of 24 September 2008, the previous guidance which was issued to local authorities in relation to the national strategy on biodegradable waste prior to the circular issued by his Department in July 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32976/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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EU Directive 1999/31/EC required member states to put in place national strategies to address the issue of biodegradable waste. Ireland published its national strategy in draft form in 2004 and my Department wrote to all local authorities on 7 April 2004 inviting submissions in relation to the draft strategy. On 11 June 2004, all local authorities were asked to ensure that the implications of the draft Strategy were taken into account in the review of Waste Management Plans, particularly in relation to the roll out of segregated collection of household dry recyclables and organic wastes and the provision of associated materials recovery/biological treatment infrastructure.

Following extensive consultation, the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to its implementation which aims to divert 80% of biodegradable waste from landfill through segregated collection of biodegradable waste and the generation of compost. At the end of July 2008 my Department wrote to all local authorities outlining the arrangements for a national roll-out of source-segregated collection systems for biodegradable waste. I have also indicated my intention to introduce primary legislation to allow significant increases to be made to the landfill levy and consultants have been engaged to carry out a Regulatory Impact Analysis which is currently underway.

My Department in addition, is working with industry regarding the development of a Statutory Instrument for the segregation of commercial biodegradable waste. I am confident that these measures will contribute significantly to the attainment of the targets for the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill.