Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether the 600,000 tonne incinerator at Poolbeg, Dublin, is still required when Ireland is likely to meet its targets for 2016 under the landfill directive; if he will seek a derogation to 2020 under the Landfill Directive as 12 other European countries already have; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the recent Environmental Protection Agency waste report indicated that Ireland had sufficient landfill capacity for a further 12 years at current rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29032/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Acts, the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan, including in respect of infrastructure provision, is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned, and under section 60(3) of the Act the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.

I understand that the parties to the contract in respect of the Poolbeg facility are in a period of review. As the project is being advanced by Dublin City Council, acting on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, questions concerning its status, and any issues relating to contractual matters, should be directed to the City Council.

Regardless of estimates of remaining landfill capacity, the Waste Framework Directive and a sustainable approach to the management of waste require that Ireland must end its overdependence on landfill. That process of infrastructural diversification must be guided by adherence to the waste hierarchy. Accordingly, I have no plans to seek any derogation in respect of the compliance requirements of the Landfill Directive; I intend that Ireland should meet its obligations under the Directive, with the deployment of appropriate policies and measures, such as the landfill levy.

The Programme for Government commits to the development of a coherent national waste policy, adhering to the waste hierarchy, which will aim to minimise waste disposal in landfill and maximise recovery. I expect to be in a position to submit final proposals in relation to national waste policy to Government in the coming weeks.