The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Éamon Ó Cuív, today 8 February 2011, noted the publication by the Environmental Protection Agency of the National Waste Report for 2009.

The report provides vital data in assessing the performance of Ireland in the management of its waste. It also provides a very helpful input into the development of waste policy. The Minister paid tribute to the EPA and all those involved in the production of the report.

“I am heartened by the way Ireland continues to make progress in the management of waste. In particular, the increasing recycling rates documented in the report and the progress towards meeting Ireland’s obligations under the EU Landfill Directive are very heartening.”

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In relation to areas for attention, the Minister said his Department would be considering the report very carefully, not just in relation to its overall messages but also in relation to areas requiring particularly focused action. Ensuring improved performance in the management of end of life vehicles is one area where further progress is required and the Department will be engaging urgently with the motor industry in that regard.

“I commend the achievement of a packaging recovery and recycling rate of 70% and believe that, in these challenging economic times, we must focus even more on attaining such rates in the most efficient manner. In terms of our overall approach to waste management, it is critical that we deliver leading environmental performance in a way that also provides value for money for business and for the consumer,” concluded the Minister.

(GK)