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File photo. Shutterstock/Denis Pogostin

'Radical' new government strategy to ban single-use plastic plates, cutlery, straws

The plans will see Ireland adhering to a direction from the European Council made in May.

MINISTER FOR CLIMATE Action Richard Bruton has said he’ll be bringing forward a number of “radical actions” to reduce waste and manage resources more effectively.

This “radical” strategy will see the government banning plastic plates, cutlery straws, balloon sticks, cotton buds sticks, polystyrene cups and food containers.

It’ll also see the introduction on non-recyclable plastics, like those used for food packaging in supermarkets.

The ban on single-use plastic straws and cutlery have already been suggested at EU level and approved by the European Council. When the decision was made in May, EU member states including Ireland were given two years to transpose the legislation into their national law. 

Today, Bruton is holding a summit featuring 100 representatives from industry, local authorities, waste collectors and others to discuss these new policies.

The government hopes that its new strategy can achieve a number of goals, including halving food waste, increasing the recycling rate of plastic packaging by 60% and cut dependence on landfill by 60%. 

The introduction of environmental levies, such as a levy on single-use plastics, is also being considered.

Ireland’s waste generation is already well above average in Europe, with over 200kg of waste packaging – of which 59kg is plastic – generated per person every year here. 

Bruton said: “All along the supply chain we can do better – 70% of food waste is avoidable, half of the material we use is not being segregated properly, two-thirds of plastic used is not on the recycling list and labels are confusing.

We are now deciding how to chart the route ahead. I am determined to step up ambition and put in place strong policy tools to deliver on our new targets. Today is a chance to shape that roadmap.

With reporting from Christina Finn

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    Mute Peter Keenan
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    Aug 14th 2015, 8:54 PM

    Tragic stupidity.

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    Mute Jimmy Murphy
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    Aug 14th 2015, 10:37 PM

    I sympathise for him & his family but seriously….what on earth was he thinking?

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    Mute Magoo Maguire
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    Aug 14th 2015, 9:24 PM

    I climbed underneath a rollercoaster in Bray to get my hat back once. getting the hat back was more exciting than the ride itself. I was once Young and very stupid!!

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    Mute bacoxy
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    Aug 14th 2015, 8:46 PM

    Darwin award nominee.

    105
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    Mute Al Ca
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    Aug 14th 2015, 8:55 PM

    “The man was either killed by the ride, or someone on it.” (sub headline)

    Strange statement….care to explain how someone on the ride could have killed him?

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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Aug 14th 2015, 8:59 PM

    Look at the design on the rollercoaster. It’s possible he was struck by the dangling leg of a rider.

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    Mute Cian O Donoghue
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    Aug 14th 2015, 9:08 PM

    Would they not have felt it?

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    Mute Al Ca
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    Aug 14th 2015, 9:11 PM

    You think a rider would know they’ve hit something or some one with their leg….perhaps suffer injury themselves… a broken leg perhaps?

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    Mute vv7k7Z3c
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    Aug 14th 2015, 9:15 PM

    I would have thought so, but the idea that it could have been someone on the ride comes from the investigating police.

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    Mute David McShite
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    Aug 14th 2015, 9:21 PM

    Very vague police report….. “at least a few calls from people who might have witnessed something “???
    Struck by either the rollercoaster or someone on it???
    It’s all very probably!

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    Mute little jim
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    Aug 14th 2015, 10:16 PM

    The police seem disinterested, no one to shoot probably.

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    Mute Malcolm McCarthy
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    Aug 14th 2015, 8:46 PM

    motoroller

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    Mute Integra-Ted
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    Aug 14th 2015, 8:57 PM

    Final Destination 087

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    Mute Chief
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    Aug 15th 2015, 1:25 AM

    Vodafone customer ^^^

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    Mute SCO Electrical
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    Aug 14th 2015, 10:42 PM

    Natural selection

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    Mute Tim Hayes
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    Aug 15th 2015, 6:04 AM

    RIP

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    Mute Cynical Samwidge
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    Aug 15th 2015, 2:05 PM

    what a Muppet. Ignorance of your own safety concerns is no excuse.

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    Mute Dan Byrne
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    Aug 15th 2015, 10:52 AM

    Plonker

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