Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group

in the trend of rationalisation of local authority activity in waste management
services, could yield a further saving of some €4 million.
10.5.9 The Group is advised that it is planned to publish a consultation document
on the future direction of national waste policy. Given the recommendations
of the consultants’ report underpinning the review of waste management
policy, it can be expected that the role of local authorities in relation to waste
management will undergo significant change in the coming years. The dual
role of the local authorities as both regulators and suppliers of a service is to
be addressed in light of obligations under the EU Services Directive.
10.5.10 One key recommendation contained in the consultants’ report relates to a
move from side by side competition in the market to a tendered competition
for the market, which it is expected would result in lower waste charges
arising from economies of scale. This would also allow for a uniform system
of waivers to be introduced.
Recommendations:
10.5.11 Thus the Group recommends that:
• The system of control for internal movement of hazardous waste within
Ireland be consolidated into the national office within Dublin City
Council. This will yield a projected cost saving nationally of close to €1
million;
• The waste collection permitting role be centralised, and if necessary
implemented through the network of Regional Waste Management
Offices;
• Local authorities avail of opportunities to secure continued
rationalisation of activity in waste management services. This could
yield a saving of some €4 million.
10.5.12 The total value of the savings and extra charges identified above is €5
million in a full year.
Financial Summary:
Through a combination of savings and measures a total of €5 million can be
achieved based on the following items
1. Consolidation of controls for the internal movement of hazardous waste into a
national level – €1 million
2. Remove waste collection permitting role from local authorities and consolidate
this responsibility at national or regional level, taken together with a continued
rationalised of local authority activity in waste management services –
potential savings of €4 million
Total Amount: €5 million
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