CHAIRMAN of the Public Services Committee of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, Clogher Valley Sinn Féin Cllr Sean McGuigan, is pleased that the new Srategic Waste Board is finally underway.

Last month, the board, which is comprised of key local and central government stakeholders and independent members, was set up to oversee implementation of the Waste Strategy.

"At the first meeting, which included the Minister David Cairns as Chairperson, we focused on set-up issues, such as the terms of reference, rules of proceedings and operation, appointment of independent Board members and the Waste Strategy delivery programme.

"We received a progress report from Frank Mulgrew, the new Director of the Programme Delivery Support Unit.

During the meeting , NILGA members pressed the Minister on the issue of waste funding and the Department confirmed that work on a financial package for next year is ongoing.

"Other matters included a welcome for Noel Scott into the PDSU as a senior planning officer on one hand yet concern, as we move rapidly towards RPA in 2009, the level of experience retained within the Planning Service is dropping drastically.

A question that I raised was around what I viewed as the biggest potential obstacle to the PDSU helping the 3 Waste Management Groups meet the EU targets was whether local authorities have the vires to enter into PFI or PPP contracts.

"Legal opinion is to be used to clarify this matter.

"Given that the time frame for actions to be taken is closing in on local authorities such decisions have to be progressed quickly."