Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department is acting as the ultimate guarantor of payment on behalf of Dublin City Council with respect to its contract to build the Poolbeg incinerator in Dublin 4; if his Department has considered or will consider acting in any circumstances for the financing or part financing of the project, if Dublin City Council was unable to fulfil its own contractual obligations with respect to this incinerator; the applicable circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12927/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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As previously advised, the facility in question is provided for in the Dublin regional waste management plan for which the four Dublin local authorities have statutory responsibility under the Waste Management Acts. Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996 precludes the Minister from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance in particular circumstances by a local authority of a function conferred on it under the Act.

In line with national policy, the Exchequer does not fund new heavy waste infrastructure, landfills or waste to energy (incineration) plants. These are to be provided as purely private sector commercial initiatives or by way of public private partnerships with local authorities. Accordingly, the capital cost of this project will not fall to be met by the Exchequer. In consequence, my Department has not provided any guarantee to Dublin City Council in respect of this project and there is no intention to do so.