Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if by 17 November 2009 he had already appointed an officer to investigate the financial implications of the contract between a company (details supplied) and Dublin City Council for an incinerator; if he has since appointed one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42952/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In terms of the capacity of the proposed facility it is my understanding that the quantities of residual waste currently being collected by the Dublin local authorities may not be sufficient to meet the volumetric contractual commitment which forms part of the public private partnership agreement between Dublin City Council and its private partner. We have recently seen further increases in recycling rates in Dublin, with a corresponding drop in residual waste volumes. In addition, the recommendations of the report which I commissioned to underpin the review of waste management policy provided for in the Programme for Government would have the effect of further reducing the volumes of residual waste generated, and driving more waste towards recycling.

In these circumstances I have decided that the most appropriate course of action is to appoint an authorised person under section 224 of the Local Government Act 2001 to conduct a full review of this project. It remains open to Dublin City Council to engage with my Department to discuss any necessary adjustment to the project which might be necessary to bring it into line with the emerging reality of the waste market and waste policy generally.

I am in the process of identifying suitable candidates with the appropriate qualifications to act as authorised person.