Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 73: 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; its main features; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11061/05]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for a national infrastructure board; the stage of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11051/05]

Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the number of stages which infrastructural projects have to go through before work can begin; and if he will make a statement on the loss of time that is beingencountered in delivery of projects. [11467/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 121 and 285 together.

I believe 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 be capable of mitigating the impact of any major project on the environment and on people, and complying 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. Because of 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. 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.