Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2005
466 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a request for a meeting from the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment; if he plans to meet the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15234/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra477 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an invitation to meet with a group (details supplied) to discuss the proposal for a toxic waste incinerator in Ringaskiddy, County Cork; if he will meet with the group; and if not, the reason therefor. [15465/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 466 and 477 together.
I have received invitations from Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment to meet it to discuss proposals for a hazardous waste incinerator in Ringaskiddy, County Cork. I have not considered it appropriate to meet the group as the proposal is the subject of planning and licensing processes which are statutorily independent and in which, except in the case of heritage issues, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government must not intervene.
I share with the group a concern to ensure that the highest levels of environmental protection are maintained. This is why we have some of the most rigorous and open planning and licensing processes in Europe. I am confident that the best interests of the community and the environment are catered for within these processes.
