A major study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed that the amount of waste being generated in the State has increased.
The report on national waste also showed a high dependence on landfilling, and a deficit in the the infrastructure required to manage wastes in the Republic.
The National Waste Database Report, published yesterday and based on 2001 figures, noted the greatest increase in waste was generated from commercial and municipal activity.
Dr Mary Kelly, director general of the EPA, said the report showed limited action was being taken in some sectors to prevent and minimise waste.
"If we are to seriously tackle the quantities of waste being produced, waste generationmust be decoupled from economic growth," she said.
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, said the increase in both household and commercial waste was a major issue that needed to be addressed and he announced an awareness campaign for the autumn.
The report said agricultural waste and sludge have decreased. There were fewer landfills which operated to a higher standard as a result of them becoming licensed and regulated for the first time.
The provision of recycling infrastructure had also improved.
The report, however, maintained the target of 50 per cent recovery for recycling by 2005 remained challenging, particularly if quantities of packaging waste continued to increase.
Mr Cullen admitted there was considerable infrastructure required, and added that the report provided an important input into the national overview of the local authority waste management plans, due to be outlined by the Minister.
The report called for quicker implementation of regional waste management plans.
Two of the major recommendations in the report called for the immediate implementation of the National Waste Prevention Programme and the provision of facilities for large quantities of waste on a once-off basis, for example waste created by the Dublin Port Tunnel and Luas projects.
"For anyone really interested in dealing effectively with our waste problem, fantasy land has nothing to offer," Mr Cullen added.
The Green Party, however, accused the Minister yesterday of being determined to increase Ireland's waste mountain by ignoring Green Party advice on reducing waste.
Party leader Mr Trevor Sargent appealed to Mr Cullen to prioritise reuse and recycling ahead of waste reduction, burning and burying.
He said the publication of the EPA's report "is another blow to the EU waste hierarchy".
"The only reduction in waste claimed by this Government is in agriculture, which is more to do with the decrease in farming activity than any waste reduction per se."
The report is the third in the National Waste Database series.