Over €5.6m has been made available to bolster recycling efforts by local authorities across Ireland.

Environment Minister John Gormley said the money would meet the costs incurred during January to June 2009.

A previous package of €6.4m was allocated in the period July to December 2008.

The year's funding represents an increase of €600,000 on the equivalent period in 2008.

Mr Gormley said the funding boost demonstrates his determination to continue to provide support for the recovery and recycling of waste, despite the economic downturn.

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The Minister said that the allocations were based, as in previous years, on a combination of weighted tonnage and net operating costs, with particular emphasis being given to the higher costs of dealing with certain waste streams such as hazardous waste and plastics.

The funding is provided from the Environment Fund, through which the proceeds of the plastic bag and landfill levy are utilised to provide assistance and support in respect of a range of waste management, litter and other environmental initiatives.

Minister Gormley congratulated local authorities for their ongoing commitment to the provision of waste recycling facilities.

"Even in this difficult economic climate it is vital that we manage our waste in the most environmentally friendly way possible and I would encourage all local authorities to continue delivering the full range of waste management infrastructure required," he said.

(PR/KMcA)