Bernard Allen
Ceist:1569 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his proposals to by-pass the planning stage at local authority level in the development of waste incinerators throughout the country. [16822/02]
Written Answers. - Waste Management.
A number of public and private bodies have expressed concerns regarding the timescale involved in securing planning approval in respect of waste infrastructure and have put forward various proposals intended to streamline and shorten the planning process. Proposals for waste infrastructure by a local authority, or by private interests in partnerships with a local authority, and which require EIA, already go directly for discussion to An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development Act, 2000.
My Department is currently considering the need for further streamlining in the interests of ensuring that planning decisions on important waste infrastructure proposals are taken in a timely manner consistent with full consideration of all relevant issues.