Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason behind a recent increase in landfill levy rates; when the increase was introduced; the amount by which the levy was increased; the current levy rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1863/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's current reliance on landfill as the principal method of managing our waste is unsustainable. The landfill levy is chargeable on waste presented for disposal at landfill facilities and is designed to encourage a shift away from landfill to waste management practices which are higher in the internationally accepted waste hierarchy. In addition, Ireland must comply with challenging targets under Directive 1999/31/EC with regard to the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill or face potential fines for non-compliance. Landfill gate fees have fallen in recent years, thus undermining the dissuasive effect of the levy.

Therefore, the landfill levy was increased by €20 per tonne (from €30 per tonne to €50 per tonne) with effect from 1 September 2011. This increase is intended to send a strong price signal to the producers, collectors and managers of waste that the current reliance on landfill cannot be sustained. Further increases in the landfill levy are also planned, to €65 per tonne in July this year and to €75 per tonne in July 2013. I hope to see significantly improved levels of prevention, recovery, recycling and reuse of waste as a consequence of these increases.