SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson and former Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs that they are engaging with the Irish Government on an incoming Deposit Return Scheme.
Since calling for the introduction of the scheme in February 2020, Mr Durkan has lobbied for cross-border cooperation on the recycling initiative to assure its efficacy.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I’m delighted to see overwhelming support for this initiative following a joint consultation with England and Wales last year.
“While the Deposit Return Scheme is on track for October 2025, I would’ve liked to see its introduction much sooner, but this was thwarted due to resistance both politically and commercially.
“Building on the success of the carrier bag levy, this Deposit Return Scheme will go a long way in tackling single-use drink containers.
“The incentivised scheme will see people receive money back when they return the empty container to any return point throughout the region and in the process improve recycling rates as well as reducing litter.
“The South launched their scheme last month and while cohesion would’ve been ideal during the development stage I’m glad that DAERA have, at long last, adopted my proposal to work with their counterparts in the Irish Government to prevent any unintended consequences.
“My request for an all-island approach to the Deposit Return Scheme was denied by the previous Minister, but the latest intervention is better late than never and will allow for a more successful initiative.
“The rationale behind this proposal was to limit potential exploitation of the scheme which has been witnessed in EU border countries.
“Given the geographical makeup of our regions, a system closer aligned to the South is just common sense allowing for economies of scale to be reached by both jurisdictions.
“While it’s disappointing that these schemes weren’t delivered in tandem, co-operation even at this late stage is welcome.
“This exciting scheme is a stepping stone onto more innovative, greener takes on waste.
“I look forward to the department’s consultation on ‘Rethinking Our Resources’; a chance to challenge a bigger rethink on waste and how to create an efficient system which benefits people and the planet.”
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