Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 43: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ensure the implementation of the national strategy on biodegradable waste which aims to divert 80% of biodegradable waste from landfill through segregated collection of biodegradable waste and the generation of compost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43048/08]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 46: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken to ensure Ireland meets its targets to divert biodegradable waste from landfill, as required under the EU landfill directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43046/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 46 together.

I am committed to putting in place the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the EU landfill diversion targets that will apply from 2010 onwards. Following extensive consultation, the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste was published in April 2006 and is aimed at diverting 80% of biodegradable waste from landfill through segregated collection and the generation of compost. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to implementation of the National Strategy.

The projections to which I have previously referred, for 2016, are based on the provision by then of MBT on the necessary scale, and relevant issues in that regard are being examined in depth in the International Waste Review currently underway. The initial targets under the Landfill Directive are more immediate as they relate to 2010 and the existing measures under the Biowaste Strategy are designed to achieve these targets.

I have also indicated my intention to introduce primary legislation to allow significant increases in the landfill levy and a Regulatory Impact Analysis for this purpose has just been completed. My Department, in addition, is working with industry towards 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.