DECLG issues statement on ITIA withdrawal from proposed waste tyre compliance scheme

The Department of Community and Local Government (DECLG) has issues a statement following the withdrawal the Irish Tyre Industry Association’s decision to withdraw from discussions on the proposed waste tyre compliance scheme.

“Last Thursday, this Department was advised by the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) (See attached Press Release) that, following a meeting of their National Executive Council, they were withdrawing from the Tyres Working Group (TWG).
 
As you are aware, this Department has been engaged in extensive discussions with the tyre industry for almost two years on the establishment of a full Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) for tyres following the publication of the PRI Review report on Tyres and Waste Tyres.
 
During that time significant progress has been made in a spirit of open communication and co-operation. The process has now reached a stage at which key decisions regarding the structure and funding of the new PRI must be taken. All members of the TWG would have been aware from on-going discussions and the Minister’s announcement in February regarding a PRI model that we would be engaging with them on these specific issues.
 
In this regard, our communication of 3rd September last to the TWG should have come as no surprise. It is fundamental to the success of any PRI structure that it has a robust financial model supported by an adequate visible Environmental Management Charge (vEMC). This element is reflected in the structure of PRI models for tyres across the EU. 
 
The Department will continue to work on the introduction of the new scheme in Ireland and would encourage the tyre industry to embrace the opportunity they have to influence the shape of the new structures, particularly in relation to those key issues around funding and structure.
 
It is our view that a PRI for waste tyres will deliver significant benefits for the taxpayer, the environment and the tyre industry, in particular retailers, supporting job creation and the circular economy”.