Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1077. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the disposal of tyres, particularity in the Dublin area; that the abundance of tyres available for use in bonfires at Halloween is having a negative impact on the environment; if he will ensure that companies, such as mechanic garages dispose of tyres in a responsible way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37909/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am conscious that a serious problem exists in relation to waste tyres in Ireland and I am in the process of overhauling the existing regulatory regime to deal with this issue. This will see the establishment of a new sustainable waste management system for tyres and waste tyres which will stop the leakage of waste tyres and ensure that they are disposed of in a proper environmental manner. This new full Producer Responsibility Initiative, which mirrors the arrangements for the collection, storage and disposal of tyres and waste tyres in the majority of EU countries, should contribute to a decrease in the fly tipping of waste tyres.As part of a wider review of producer responsibility arrangements completed in 2014, the structural and environmental effectiveness of all aspects of the current system for managing waste tyres was assessed.The results of this examination were stark. The report, published for consultation in November 2013 and in final form in April 2014, found:

-a non-compliance rate with the Tyre Regulations of 46%,

-a lack of consistent and accurate data,

-that the current system was not tracking data flows well, and

-between 25% and 50% of waste tyres were not accounted for with widespread illegal dumping .

Following extensive discussions with the tyre industry, I announced my decision to establish a full PRI scheme for Tyres and Waste Tyres in Ireland on 30 January 2015. Since my decision, significant progress has been made in discussions with the tyre industry.

The new scheme will be operated by Repak with a registration and reporting role for the WEEE Register Society. Both organisations have long and successful track records under existing producer responsibility arrangements in the packaging, battery and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment ( WEEE ) areas and have been instrumental in making Ireland a top EU performer in these waste streams.