Departmental Correspondence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 March 2012

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Ceisteanna (312)

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

364 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has had any correspondence or discussions, either formal or informal, with Dublin City Council city manager or his staff about the put or pay clause in the contract for the Poolbeg incinerator with Covanta with regard to how the council will guarantee waste for the incinerator, following the city manager’s decision to stop the collection of household waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13822/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

In accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Acts, 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, and under section 60(3) of the Act I am precluded 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.

Dublin City Council's decision to withdraw from the household waste collection market is a matter for the City Council, as are considerations concerning any potential impact of that decision on planned projects. While the City Council updated my Department in relation to the decision to extend the review period for the contract for the Poolbeg project, decisions in relation to the project are a matter for the parties to the contract, i.e. the City Council, on behalf of the 4 Dublin local authorities, and Dublin Waste to Energy Ltd.

Question No. 365 answered with Question No. 343.