The European Court of Justice has adjourned the European Commission’s legal action against the Government for its failure to put into effect the 1993 EU directive on waste management.
The action has been adjourned until September, pending the implementation of waste-management plans.
The EC started court action against Ireland two years ago, claiming the Government’s waste-management plans breached EU directives on managing hazardous waste. Since then, the Government has set about reforming its waste-management policies.
A Department of the Environment spokesman said the Commission was happy with the progress the Government had made in implementing the outstanding plans.
He said 30 out of 34 local areas had received updated plans and the necessary legislation had been enacted by the Oireachtas.
"It was only a matter of weeks before the plans are implemented," he said.