Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to better co-ordinate waste planning and waste infrastructure on a national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18181/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under the provisions of the Waste Management Acts the relevant local authorities have responsibility for making the statutory waste management plans, including in respect of infrastructure provision. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by a local authority of a statutory function given to it under the Act.

The Programme for Government clearly sets out the approach to waste management that will be reflected in national policy in the years ahead. It is firmly grounded in a continuing commitment to the waste hierarchy with a renewed drive towards the achievement of international best practice in the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste. This, coupled with an increasing emphasis on technologies for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste, will significantly reduce potential reliance on landfill and incineration. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive to divert waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the existing level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years.

To assist in ensuring that our waste management system can act in support of these objectives my Department has initiated the major review of waste management policy foreseen in the Government Programme. This will be designed to support the necessary legal, institutional and policy framework to achieve international best practice in the management of waste and will involve a comprehensive examination of a broad range of waste management issues, including in respect of regional waste management planning and infrastructure provision. I anticipate that the study will be completed by mid-2009 and published shortly thereafter. In the context of its recommendations I will bring necessary policy and legislative proposals to Government.