Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 12: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Heritage and Local Government when he expects to judge on a foreshore licence for the Poolbeg waste to energy facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22349/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Following the enactment of the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Act 2009, my Department assumed responsibility on 15 January 2010 for a range of foreshore functions, including all foreshore energy related developments, including oil, gas, wind, wave and tidal energy developments; aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore; foreshore projects in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000; foreshore projects in respect of any other harbour; harbour-related developments intended for commercial trade; and all other foreshore projects other than those relating to aquaculture and sea fisheries. In accordance with the Foreshore Acts, a lease or licence can be issued if it is in the public interest. At present, the processing of a foreshore application includes assessment of the application by the Department's internal technical advisers and, where necessary, the marine licence vetting committee that advises on scientific matters; consultation with statutory and non-statutory consultees, including relevant Departments and agencies; a period of public consultation, normally of 21 days; valuation of the site to be occupied by the applicant; and other public interest elements that may arise in particular cases. More than 700 foreshore applications for leases, licences and permits are currently being dealt with by my Department. The applications, which vary greatly in terms of the size of infrastructure project and level of complexity, also include a licence application from Dublin City Council for the construction of a water cooling channel to service the proposed waste to energy facility at Poolbeg. As the licence application in question is one of a large number at different stages of consideration under the foreshore consent process, my Department will be in contact with Dublin City Council on the matter as soon as possible.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Minister confirm that all the processes have been gone through in this case? If the foreshore licence application is on the Minister's desk, is it now a matter of whether he will accept or reject it? Can he give the House an indication of the timescale within which he will make that decision?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My understanding is that the various processes have not been gone through.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What are they?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I have said, we have to go through certain processes.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can the Minister give the House an update on the Poolbeg incinerator report that he commissioned in March of this year? When might it be due?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that the senior counsel is in negotiations with some of the stakeholders to try to get further information. He needs to come back. He has told us he requires more time to do that. It is crucial to establish what the waste streams are and what quantities of waste are involved. I understand it has been difficult to get some of the information because it is commercially sensitive. I believe negotiations on the matter are taking place between the senior counsel and some of the key stakeholders at present. Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.