A DOUBLING of the minimum distance between dumps and residential areas and a statutory duty on operators to minimise hazards arising from dumps were among new restrictions on landfill sites debated by the European Parliament last night.
The provisions, which would also extend from 10 to 30 years the responsibility on operators to maintain a closed site, are the response of the Parliament's environment committee to a proposed but long-delayed Council of Ministers' directive on dumping.
An amendment being proposed in the Parliament would also remove a derogation in the directive which effectively excludes much of Ireland from its effects.
If introduced today the regulations would become mandatory for existing sites in a maximum of five years. However, the environmental lobby is expected to press for referral of the whole issue back to the Commission.
Addressing the debate last night, Fianna Fail MEP Mr Brian Crowley said while landfill sites might continue to be a necessary evil in the short term, it was essential that the current "ad hoc, piecemeal policy" on waste be replaced with a more long-term view.
