The construction industry has called on the State's environmental watchdog to reclassify for recycling and reuse of demolition rubble that comes from building sites. There is no place in Cork to process crushed concrete. The nearest licensed facility is in Waterford. The Construction Industry Federation, CIF, is asking the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to reclassify crushed concrete to give the industry the option to reuse and recycle the material in a more environmentally friendly way. These products should be reused as an aggregate on existing projects but this is not easy as the current interpretation of regulations does not allow for that. It is allowed in other EU countries. Can we not do the same as other EU countries? It would help the construction industry and would be of benefit to all concerned.

The Deputy will know that the EPA is independent in its evaluation of such matters but I am sure that it will give due attention to the request by the CIF and I will get a reply for the Deputy.