Other Agencies with Responsibility for Asbestos
Asbestos Waste
The collection, transport and disposal of asbestos waste should only be undertaken by an authorised waste collection permit holder and waste should be sent to an appropriately authorised facility for disposal. The EPA, the National Waste Collection Permit Office, the National TFS (Transfrontier Shipment) Office and Local Authorities all have a role.
For further information, see Section 17 of the Guidance Document
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deals with the licensing of storage of hazardous waste, including asbestos. Any company or local authority that stores asbestos waste must be licensed.
Asbestos waste is hazardous and must be disposed of properly. Before any demolition work, identify which waste facility is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for disposal of asbestos waste. Hazardous waste transfer stations can accept asbestos waste and then arrange to have it disposed of at an appropriate facility here or abroad.
National Waste Collection Permit Office
The role of the National Waste Collection Permit Office is to accept and process all new and review Waste Collection Permit applications for all Waste Management Regions in the Republic of Ireland. They maintain a register of Permits. Any hauliers or contractors or waste collector used to transport asbestos waste must have a valid waste collection permit for asbestos waste.
Note: The provisions of ADR may also apply to the carriage /transport of asbestos containing material.
National TFS Office
From 12 July 2007, the National TFS (Transfrontier Shipment) Office in Dublin City Council is designated as the National Competent Authority for the export, import and transit of waste shipments. All transfrontier shipments of waste originating in any local authority area in the State that are subject to the prior written notification procedures must be notified to and through Dublin City Council at the National TFS Office via an electronic Waste Transfer Form.
Environment and Public Health
Health Service Executive
Consultants in Public Health Medicine provide an on-call service at all times for public health emergencies and risks. The Public Health Medicine Environment and Health Group has developed guidance with links to other resources to assist this service: “Guidelines for Public Health Response to Chemical and Other Environmental Incidents” otherwise known as the “On-call pack”. A link to Asbestos Guidance and a Public Health Advice leaflet are available on the HSE website
Local Authorities
Local Authorities are responsible for investigating any incidents of air and water pollution in their areas, for example, the incorrect disposal of asbestos and can prosecute any infringements of the Air Pollution Act, 1987 and the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977.
Asbestos Management
Office of Public Works
The Office of Public Works coordinates the management of asbestos in State properties generally, excluding schools. Queries relating to asbestos in State properties can be directed to Health & Safety Services at OPW HQ in Trim, Co. Meath.
Department of Education
Queries relating to asbestos in schools can be directed to Schools' Boards of Management or to the Department of Education & Skills in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. See www.education.ie for further information and documents related to asbestos management in schools and during refurbishment projects.
On this page, additional external sources of information are provided. The HSA is not responsible for, and cannot guarantee the accuracy of information on sites that it does not manage; nor should the inclusion of a hyperlink be taken to mean endorsement by the HSA of the site to which it points.