Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status with regard to the proposed Critical Infrastructure Bill, which was first announced in October 2003; when it is likely that the Bill will be published; the main features of same; if it will apply to all incinerators, including the one proposed for Poolbeg in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3889/05]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Critical Infrastructure Bill; if it will include the recommendations of the Institution of Engineers of Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4084/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 177 together.

I believe that there is wide consensus that we should have a regulatory system for major infrastructure projects that delivers projects in the right place at the earliest possible time and in a cost effective way. In addition, the system must, of course, be capable of mitigating the impact of any major project on the environment and on people and comply with all relevant national and international legal requirements.

Having examined the problems that have arisen in the area, the Government considers that legislation is desirable to address some issues arising in the approval process. Due to the complexity of the issues involved and the need to consult widely among my colleagues, the preparation of draft legislative proposals has taken some time. I am currently working on the proposals for a Strategic Infrastructure Bill and I intend to bring them before Cabinet shortly with a view to publishing the Bill as soon as possible.

In advance of the Government making a decision on these proposals, it would be inappropriate to elaborate on their detail, including details of the types of national infrastructure that might be included in the proposed legislation. In general terms, however, it is intended to reduce the time required for obtaining development consent for necessary major public projects and to co-ordinate and streamline the different procedures now involved, while respecting the requirements of environment and heritage protection and the need for adequate public consultation.