Written answers

Thursday, 29 January 2009

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Recycling Policy

4:00 pm

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps which have been taken on foot of the feasibility study into a North-South Irish paper mill; if he plans to take further steps in view of the collapse in the global market for recyclable paper and cardboard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2828/09]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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A study led by the North/South Market Development Steering Group to determine the feasibility of establishing a paper mill on the island of Ireland was initiated in 2004 and the Phase 1 Study Report was published in August 2006. The feasibility study is the first of two phases and the project was funded jointly by the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland through Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and my Department. The project was managed by WRAP.

Provisional findings from the first stage of an interim phase — taking soundings from individual businesses in the sector — indicate that the paper manufacturing/ converting and waste management sectors show favourable interest in exploring the establishment of a tissue mill on the island. Consequently a more formal sectoral group meeting was convened in March 2008 to test this level of interest amongst the key industrial players. Valuable feedback was gained at this meeting and the stakeholders were advised by officials that both jurisdictions along with WRAP would continue to assist. The North/South Market Development Steering Group met on 22 January and the project will be kept under review in light of market conditions.

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