Local Authority Prevention Network

Following on the successful completion of the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration (LAPD) Programme,  in 2009 the EPA have continued to provide prevention related assistance and support to local authorities in Ireland under the Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN).

With the support of local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government, this will be an important part of the National Waste Prevention Programme, which was established by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2004. LAPN will be a key component in continuing to build capacity in local authorities for the promotion of resource efficiency and waste prevention at a local and grassroots level.

It was apparent at the commencement of the National Waste Prevention Programme in 2004 that local authorities are well placed to provide a key conduit to local communities and businesses for the promotion of waste prevention. This was supported by the fact that local and regional waste management plans generally make recommendations for the promotion of waste prevention in local and regional areas.

In 2006, a first call for expressions of interest under the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration Programme was made. This was followed in 2007 with a second call. 14 local authorities  have received grant-aid under the LAPD Programme, with technical support from the Clean Technology Centre, leading to a raft of worthwhile and successful local prevention projects.

The EPA is therefore committed to continuing to support local authorities in promoting resource efficiency and waste prevention. The model proposed for a Local Authority Prevention Network developed substantially from discussions with prevention officers and others, taking a holistic approach, building upon the successes of LAPD and incorporating the principles of prevention with a focus on networking and mutual support among the local authorities.

The model for a Local Authority Prevention Network was presented to a meeting of the Environment Subcommittee of the County and City Managers’ Association in June 2008. The Network was also successfully proposed as part of the Prevention Plan 2009-2012 which sets out the EPA’s intentions for the National Waste Prevention Programme for the next four years.