Press Release: Environment 15 September 2005
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New measures needed to tackle illegal waste disposal
- following devastating EPA Waste Report
The Green Party has described the report published today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on illegal waste as extremely disturbing. The report ‘The Nature and Extent of Unauthorised Waste Activity in Ireland’ shows that there is a tonne of unauthorised landfilling for every home in the country.
Green Party Environment spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said today,
“The report clearly shows that immediate action is required to tackle the waste problem. The Minister for the Environment Dick Roche and the Government must accept a large share of the blame for this unacceptable situation. An immediate response is now needed.”
“Ireland’s clean and green image is seriously tarnished by the revelations in this report. Our tourism and agriculture industries, and our environment will suffer unless decisive action is taken.”
“The Green Party want the following measures taken by Government:
· greater powers for the Office of Environmental Enforcement. They should be given the authority to take cases to the High Court instead of the District Courts where fines of €3000 are derisory for waste offences.
· the setting up of a new agency to provide incentives for recycling. Ireland is close to the bottom of the European league table for recycling. The Government has completely failed to stop companies such as the Irish Glass Bottle Company from closing down.
· stronger enforcement by Local Authorities. Backyard burning in particular requires a clampdown as toxic chemicals are released by these fires.
· Introduction of a Waste Allowance Scheme for low income households and pensioners
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