Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss this issue in the Chamber and pleased that the Minster of State, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, who is our local Deputy and has considerable experience of the issue, is in a position to respond on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Hogan.

The operation of the waste management system has many deficits. However, the most yawning gap is the complete and utter disconnection between local democracy and the decision-making process when it comes to the final destination of residual waste. The Minister of State is only too well aware that Ireland's first municipal waste incinerator will open soon near Drogheda at Carranstown, County Meath. The Minister of State will not need reminding that I and some of the Minister of State's party colleagues have opposed this facility. The Minister of State has a track record in this regard since the project was first announced, which I am happy to acknowledge.

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