Fine Gael has proposed the establishment of a major capital investment programme in recycling infrastructure to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Over two million tonnes of municipal waste are produced in Ireland each year, 90% of which goes to landfill. The party's Environment Spokesperson, Deirdre Clune, and Party Leader Michael Noonan launched the policy document in Cork today.
Fine Gael also said that it would establish a National Waste Management Authority if the party is returned to government after the next election. The Authority would be tasked with implementing a national programme of recycling, reuse and waste management and with the development of waste management infrastructure.
Fine Gael said that it would designate recycling as a manufacturing industry for capital grant aid and taxation purposes. The party would provide the necessary manufacturing capacity to deal with the recycling needs of the economy through public/private partnerships.
Fine Gael also said that it would include the environmental sector as an additional pillar in social partnership. The Party also said that each government memorandum for cabinet approval would require an environmental audit to state its effects on the environment.
