Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
156. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department is reviewing the remunicipalisation of domestic waste collection in Dublin; the way in which they would go about implementing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14753/26]
View answerIn early 2025, the Department commissioned an independent year-long study to explore the feasibility of transitioning our national waste collection from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system. A franchise tendering system involves competitive tendering for local waste collection services which means competition for the market. In this model private sector collection firms bid to provide waste collection services in an entire local authority area (or a grouping of local authority areas) for a given period of time and to a guaranteed level of service.
The primary aim of the study is to identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets. Notwithstanding this overarching study objective, it will also examine service efficiency and the cost to consumers. The comprehensive year-long study includes a public consultation, assessment of the current market and environmental and economic modelling.
The study will be completed this year. Its recommendations including any future policy decisions in relation to waste collection and regulatory arrangements will help to inform the next iteration of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. Any future decisions will be taken in line with the relevant framework and following appropriate consideration of the study’s findings.
It should be noted that under the Waste Management Act the statutory responsibility for decisions on waste collection arrangements, including any move towards franchise tendering, ultimately rests with the Chief Executive of each local authority. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996 I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory executive function vested in it.
