Government policy on waste management has created a "national crisis" and led it into conflict with local communities all over Ireland, according to the Labour Party.
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Mr Ruairí Quinn:
waste management a national crisis |
Speaking at the launch of its policy document on waste management -
Waste Matters
- the Labour Party leader Mr Ruairí Quinn accused the Government of "not having the heart" to tackle the issue.
In response Labour proposes to establish a National Waste Management Agency to develop recycling as an industry with a comprehensive and national infrastructure.
The agency would be charged with working with local authorities to make recycling targets a reality as well as minimising the amount of waste produced by manufacturers by making the targets and structures set out in the Waste Management Act.
"Everyone accepts that the central aim of waste policy must be the minimisation of waste. . . but [the Government] target of 35.4% is barely an improvement on the figure of three years ago.
"In the meantime the waste crisis has grown. The Minster has resorted to bullying and threatening local democracy to get his way. He has put the cart before the horse. He has given up the ghost."