Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
178. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the public consultation on the feasibility of transitioning the waste collection market from its current side-by-side licensing system to a franchise tendering system; when the report on this consultation will be published; if, in the meantime, he will be acting on some of the submissions in the consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35939/26]
View answerA Public Consultation on the feasibility of transitioning the waste collection market from its current side-by-side licensing system to a franchise tendering system was held in May 2025 and covered a range of issues including exploring measures to assist in achieving our EU recycling targets while developing a more resource efficient economy.
This consultation process was the first milestone in a broader independent year-long study to examine the waste collection market and identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets while also assessing service efficiency and the cost to consumers. The comprehensive year-long study included both public and targeted consultations, an assessment of the current market as well as environmental and economic modelling.
The study has recently concluded and its recommendations are currently under consideration with a view to informing the next iteration of the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. Any future policy decisions in relation to waste collection and regulatory arrangements will be taken in line with the relevant frameworks and following appropriate consultation and 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 ultimately rests with the Chief Executive of each local authority. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996 the Minister is 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.
