merrion street

Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today (29 November 2011) opened the Sunday Business Post Waste Summit 2011.

Opening the conference, Minister Hogan said it was time for decisions in relation to waste management policy.  He said there were no foregone conclusions in the policy development process, but that he wanted to see strong environmental outcomes resulting from policy initiatives.

Referring to opportunities for savings to be made, he said "I want to see a greater level of awareness of waste prevention among the private and public sectors and among householders.  This is a clear area where the economic and the environmental objectives come together.  Not only can we have a reduction in the environmental impact of the way we live and do business, but we can all reduce the cost of managing our waste."

The Minister emphasised the need for targeted enforcement to ensure the proper and environmentally sound management of Ireland’s waste.  He pointed to the positive impact that Ireland’s environment can have in decisions by international investors. 

The Minister also announced the establishment of a Waste Management Forum to allow stakeholders to present their views on waste management.  "The role of the Forum will be to feed views and suggestions into the ongoing process of ensuring sustainable waste management in Ireland," concluded the Minister.