Government extends derogation for burning of green waste

Following calls from Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara last week, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has introduced a further one-year extension to the derogation allowing for the burning of green waste.

Deputy McNamara raised the issue in Dáil Éireann with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, requesting that the Government overturn its decision to discontinue the derogation granted in previous years.

“I welcome the announcement to retain the derogation for all of 2022 as it will enable farmers to burn green waste such as hedge cuttings and trimming and dead scrub that was previously cut and left to dry out,” stated Deputy McNamara.

“While the previously announced ban would undoubtedly have been a huge inconvenience to farmers across the country, the environmental benefits of the move would also have been questionable,” he added. “I had previously pointed out to the Taoiseach that instead of burning, green waste would have to be mulched using large diesel engines. This news will be very much welcomed by farmers.”

Today, Minister Ryan announced, “As no progress has been made on the feasibility of alternative options to the burning of this waste such as mulching and chipping Regulations allowing a further one year extension for 2022 have recently been signed by the Minister and will be published in the coming days. It is anticipated that this will be the final extension to the exemption.”