Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
43. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will overrule the four Dublin local authority chief executives' decision to proceed with the Poolbeg incinerator in view of its rejection by elected members of Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34327/14]
View answerThe project concerned is a Public Private Partnership between Dublin City Council, acting on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, and its private sector partner, and is part of the implementation of the Dublin Region Waste Management Plan. In accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996, the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan, including in respect of infrastructure provision, is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned. Under legislation introduced in 2001, such matters are an executive function of the relevant local authority.
I have no function in the matter and am precluded, under section 60(3) of the Act, from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
