Mr. James Nolan:

On Covanta as an operator, it is the largest waste energy operator in the world. Its compliance record is 99.9%. Obviously, it does not achieve 100% compliance but its record is 99.9%. Covanta operates over 1 million boiler hours a year. In terms of Covanta's ability to operate the facility, it was assessed by both ourselves in the procurement process and the EPA for its ability to hold a licence.

In terms of the volume of waste, the latest report from the EPA is that we landfill 1 million tonnes. Mention was made of the waste hierarchy. We are looking to move away from disposal. The national policy is that we start to move up the hierarchy. There has been a significant decoupling of waste generation from economic activity over the past number of years which is a positive development. It is the first step on the hierarchy. In the eastern-midlands region, according to the latest report, we landfill 650,000 tonnes per year. In terms of the size of the facility and from where the volumes will come, it will be predominately from the eastern-midlands region. The information shows that the waste volumes are there. To date this year, the EPA has identified that we have exported probably 400,000 tonnes of waste. The national policy is that we utilise waste as a resource and it is seen as the exporting of jobs.

In terms of traffic, as mentioned by Deputy Stanley, predominantly the traffic will be through the strategic road network. We are talking about less than nine vehicles per hour. The volumes are not significant. It is via the Port Tunnel and the East Link, and it does not go into residential areas at all. There is a small inner-city network which can go directly to the facility.

In terms of penalties and commercial returns, the analysis shows that there is a positive return of up to €155 million over the contract to the local authorities and there is no further liability or cost.