The Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, is failing in his responsibility to ensure that a proper and effective waste management policy operates in this State. The growing piles of rubbish on the streets and in the industrial estates surrounding Galway city are evidence of that. Some years ago, local councillors were given responsibility for the funding and operating of waste disposal systems at county level. Their reluctance to confront the harsh realities of the consumer society is largely to blame for the growing crisis. But the Minister for the Environment bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring the greatest possible amount of Irish waste is separated and recycled and that the residue is dealt with effectively. The necessary systems were not put in place. Already, the Coalition Government is facing a multi-million pound fine from Europe for failing to implement EU regulations affecting regional waste management policy.
The situation has been deteriorating for years. But, so far, the Minister appears to have confined his activity to a series of promises and press statements, linked to intermittent criticisms of local authorities for failing to meet their responsibilities. It has been known for months that the Ballinasloe dump in Galway would close to commercial waste this week. The Minister even warned that he might have to take "direct action" over the failure of councillors to approve a waste management plan. Nothing happened. Nothing is planned for this weekend. This lack of follow-through has also been notable in relation to plastic packaging. Shortly after coming to office, Mr Dempsey announced he would introduce a charge for each plastic bag distributed at shopping outlets in order to cut down on pollution. He repeated the promise on many occasions. Action is still awaited.
Galway is only the first city to begin choking on its rubbish. During the next 18 months, the landfill sites of Dublin, Wicklow and Sligo are expected to reach capacity. No clear alternatives exist. The Labour Party spokesman on the environment, Mr Eamon Gilmore, yesterday predicted that half of the 50 landfill sites now operating in the State will close within three years. And he said Ireland has the worst record in Europe for minimising waste and for recycling.
It is clear that we are, as a society, entering a critical phase in our development. People have embraced the fruits of the consumer society, but are unwilling to pay the full price. The "not in my backyard" attitude has prevented the opening of new landfill sites and the construction of incinerators. Many citizens are unwilling to pay for the disposal of their rubbish. At the same time, the Department of the Environment has failed to take the lead in educating and financially encouraging the public in relation to separation, recycling and weight-related refuse systems. Simply switching disposal from landfill to incinerators will not answer the problem, although incineration must play a part. This is especially true in relation to the disposal of cattle carcasses and meat and bonemeal under the EU-funded slaughter-for-destruction BSE scheme. There are no simple answers to our waste management difficulties. No magic wand. But if local representatives fail in their duty, then responsibility for implementing clear and coherent policies falls to the Minister for the Environment and to the Coalition Government.