Money won’t solve waste problems

THE €55 million programme announced

But making money available is only part of the solution and the Minister is aware that changing peoples’ attitudes to environmental improvements is vital.

Everybody is in favour of protecting the environment, but not too many are prepared to tolerate the necessary infrastructure like incinerators, recycling plants or other waste management schemes in their own backyards.

Elected members of local authorities are alert to the feelings of their constituents, and not too many of them are brave enough to publicly express their support for waste management projects which are opposed locally.

Mr Cullen is adopting the carrot-and-stick approach. While making the money available, he wants local authorities to “ramp up” their efforts on recycling.

His message is clear: while members and officials at local level have made progress on recycling, problems remain. In future, those driving the environmental agenda will be rewarded and those who are not will go to the back of the queue.

The Environment Fund, from which the money is available, was established with the revenues obtained from the levy imposed on plastic bags, and the landfill levy introduced last year.

The move on plastic bags has been immensely successful and recognised as effective and progressive.

Improving our environment should be carrot enough to take action to protect it