Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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128. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he will notify local authorities of the exemption dates for agri-burns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28092/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 make it an offence to dispose of waste by uncontrolled burning. Article 5 of the Regulations provided an exemption for the disposal of uncontaminated wood, trees, tree trimmings, leaves, brush, or other similar waste generated by agricultural practices by burning. Such burning was only to be done as a final measure following the application of the waste hierarchy. Article 6 of the Regulations provided a five-year sunset clause for this exemption, however it was since extended through amending Regulations on several occasions.

The exemption was extended for a further two-month period until 1 March 2023 and again for a further three-month period from 1 September 2023 to 30 November 2023. On foot of this extension, a Circular Letter issued to all local authorities in February 2023 advising the sector that this would be the final such extension to the exemption.