Minister Poots commits to Waste Management Strategy

Northern Ireland’s Waste Management Strategy will be delivered in an effective and timely manner, Environment Minister Edwin Poots insisted today.

The Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy 2006-2020, together with the three sub-regional Waste Management Plans, provides the framework for establishing an integrated network of waste management facilities for Northern Ireland, as required by the EU Waste Framework Directive. It also incorporates Northern Ireland’s measures for the management of biodegradable waste in fulfilment of Article 5(1) of the EU Landfill Directive.

As Chair of the Strategic Waste Board, Minister Poots affirmed his commitment to driving the delivery of the Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland. He said: “My Department is committed to playing a leading role in driving forward the strategy and to building genuine partnership with local authorities.

“I will be monitoring and measuring progress on key waste policy issues, as Northern Ireland modernises its waste management policies and practices to take account of EU Directives and recent advances in waste management technology.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Strategic Waste Board was established in February 2007 by the Department of the Environment. The Board is chaired by the Minister for the Environment and comprises senior representatives from all the key statutory organisations, from both central and local government, with a role to play in delivering the strategy's commitments, including representation from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), the Strategic Investment Board, together with three independent members.
2. The key roles of the Board are to oversee and monitor implementation of the strategy; to give strategic direction to the development of waste management policy; provide a forum for the discussion of key waste policy issues; and ensure that other government policies and programmes work to support the strategy’s aims and objectives.
3. Northern Ireland’s 26 district councils formed into the three regional waste management groups shortly after publication of the first waste strategy for Northern Ireland in March 2000.
4. Northern Ireland’s three waste management groups are: arc21, North West Region Waste Management Group and Southern Waste Management Partnership.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.