Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

Is the Minister suggesting that when his draft statement of waste policy is in place, the Poolbeg incinerator will be affected by it? What advice has the Minister received from his departmental officials on the likely cost to the local authority or the State generally if Covanta were not to proceed? A senior Covanta executive recently said that if the incinerator levies the Minister has been promising were imposed, the company would not proceed. What information does the Minister have on the cost to be incurred if Covanta pulls out of the project?

Just before the summer in a reply to Deputy Quinn the Minister gave an update on a report he was having carried out. He said he expected the report to be released shortly and that it would relate to the nature and extent of the financial and related risks and consequences which might be faced by Dublin City Council on the project. I ask the Minister for an update on those matters.

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