Ex-Indaver boss to be quizzed on waste in role for EPA

THE incinerator company executive appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency is set to be questioned by an Oireachtas committee about her views on waste management.

The Government’s decision to appoint Laura Burke, the former project manager for Indaver Ireland’s proposed incinerators in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and Carranstown, Co Meath, prompted a wave of criticism from environment groups and opposition parties.

Anti-incinerator campaigners expressed dismay at the appointment of a toxic waste incinerator advocate, claiming there was a direct conflict of interest.

The Oireachtas Environment Committee is being asked to invite Ms Burke to appear before it to hear her views on incineration, waste management and environmental protection.

Yesterday, Fine Gael environment spokesman Bernard Allen said he was writing to the committee, of which he is a member, seeking an invitation to be sent to Ms Burke to attend a meeting in September.

Mr Allen stressed he was not making any presumptions about Ms Burke’s outlook, but said she had considerable experience of incineration projects and her views on this area needed to be given a public airing.

“I would be concerned that the public’s confidence in the EPA is being undermined. In fairness to Ms Burke, in light of the comments about her appointment, I think she should be given an opportunity to have her views heard,” said Mr Allen. “I think it is important that we hear her attitude to environmental protection, waste management and incineration itself, along with other environmental issues.”

According to Indaver, Ms Burke has personally confirmed she will take up the position of the agency’s director of environmental enforcement, but the EPA said her exact role had yet to be decided. The appointment was announced by Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen. However, a department spokesperson said it was a Government appointment and Ms Burke was chosen from a list agreed by an independent statutory committee set up to deal with senior EPA appointments. This committee is made up of representatives of the Department of the Environment, the Department of the Taoiseach, An Taisce, the IDA, Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the National Women’s Council of Ireland.

The post of director is a full-time executive position, based at the EPA’s headquarters at Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, and Ms Burke will serve for five years on the agency’s executive board.

Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment, which is in a legal battle with Indaver Ireland, described the appointment as inappropriate, while the Green Party said it compromised the EPA’s independence and Sinn Féin said it was highly questionable.