Written Answers. - Waste Management.
Nora Owen
Question:
203
Mrs. Owen
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if he will make a statement on the operation of the Waste Management Act, 1996; and if he has satisfied himself with the relevant enforcement agencies concerning the invoking of sections of this Act.
[10960/99]
The Waste Management Act, 1996 provides a comprehensive and flexible legislative framework within which progressive waste management policies may be pursued and implemented.
To date, the primary focus in relation to the operation of the Act has been the introduction of secondary legislation in response to EU and national requirements reflected in the Act, the development and improvement of our waste management planning system, and the implementation of an effective waste licensing system which ensures that waste recovery and disposal activities comply with high standards of environmental protection. Further initiatives will be undertaken on a progressive basis, utilising the powers available under the Act, in support of an improved waste management performance.
To date, 14 sets of regulations have been made under the 1996 Act. Under Part II of the Act local authorities are required to make waste management plans in respect of their functional areas, and the Environmental Protection Agency – EPA – is required to make a national hazardous waste management plan.
I refer to the reply to a previous question today with regard to the significant progress which has been made in relation to waste management planning by local authorities. It is anticipated that the EPA will shortly publish a draft national hazardous waste management plan. Producer responsibility obligations have been introduced under Part III of the 1996 Act in relation to packaging waste and farm plastic waste.
Part IV of the Act provides for a stringent system of integrated waste licensing in respect of waste recovery and disposal activities. Licensing obligations are being imposed on a phased basis. The EPA has received 100 waste licence applications, and has granted ten licences and given notice of three proposed licensing decisions. Specified waste disposal and recovery activities may be subject to a local authority waste permit in lieu of a waste licence from the EPA.
I am concerned that there should be effective implementation and enforcement by local authorities of relevant provisions of the 1996 Act, and of subordinate regulations. In this regard, I consider that local authorities should maintain a strong and continuing focus on the implementation of environmental legislation generally.
