John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Let us get this very clear; clarity is absolutely necessary because we are dealing with local people who have legitimate fears about this project. Is the Minister stating the oral hearing which is part of the planning process and the EPA licence process can go ahead? Is it the case that the council can seek other partners subsequently? Can planning permission and a licence be given and new contractual arrangements entered into subsequently? The impression given yesterday by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was that the incinerator project was not going ahead. From what the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government stated today, that was a misleading impression. The statement by Mr. Matt Twomey that it was still on track was far more accurate. Will the Minister tell us whether the planning process and EPA licence process are going ahead?

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