Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied with the operation of the landfill site at a location (details supplied) in County Louth; his views on plans to use the landfill site for dumping of bottom ash from an incinerator. [27548/11]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 450: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that bottom ash should be classified as hazardous waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27549/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 449 and 450 together.

I have no role in relation to the licensing of landfill facilities or the enforcement of conditions attached to licences, which are matters for the Environmental Protection Agency. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by the Agency of a statutory function given to it under the Act.

Major waste facilities are subject to stringent environmental standards set out in national and EU environmental and waste-specific legislation. The Agency has significant oversight and enforcement powers in order to safeguard the environment and to ensure compliance with waste licence conditions. I am satisfied that a rigorous and risk based enforcement regime, including emissions monitoring, inspections and audits, is actively pursued by the Agency. The classification of waste as hazardous, or otherwise, is a matter for the Agency.

As regards the disposal of bottom ash at the landfill facility concerned, I note that Louth County Council has stated that such material will be accepted only with the approval of the Agency, which will conduct rigorous testing and monitoring to ensure the material is suitable.