Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2004
38 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the main provisions of the proposed national infrastructure Bill; if the heads of the Bill have yet been brought before Government and approved; when the Bill is likely to be published and brought before the House; if it is intended that incinerators will fall within the remit of the national infrastructure board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12216/04]
View answer67 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the proposed national infrastructure board Bill will make provision for the fast tracking of incinerators; if so, the impact this will have on planning applications already submitted for incinerators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12309/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 67 together.
The preparation of draft legislative proposals to streamline the consent process for major infrastructure projects is at an advanced stage. I will seek priority for the drafting of the legislation, once approved by the Government, to ensure the Bill is published at the earliest opportunity this year.
In advance of the Government making a decision on these proposals, it would be inappropriate to elaborate on their details, including details on 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.
