Headache for minister as incinerator given go-ahead

AN BORD PLEANÁLA has given the go-ahead to the controversial incinerator project in Environment Minister John Gormley’s constituency, causing an immense headache for the Green Party leader.

Prior to the general election, when Mr Gormley was in opposition, he promised: “We [the Green Party] have been very clear that in government this incinerator will not go ahead.” But last evening, the bord granted permission for the incinerator at Poolbeg in Ringsend, subject to 13 conditions. Dublin City Council, which welcomed the decision, envisages burning 25% of the city’s waste at the incinerator — or about 600,000 tonnes a year.

The bord approved a capacity of 600,000 tonnes even though its own inspector had recommended 500,000. An Bord Pleanála said it took into consideration the Government’s own waste management policy — which supports incineration.

Fine Gael last night claimed Mr Gormley had “failed” as Environment Minister given his inability to meet his promise and stop the project.

“It is clear that in reaching this decision An Bord Pleanála relied on the policies of the Government, of which Minister Gormley is a member,” said Fine Gael environment spokesman Phil Hogan.

“Given his long-standing and vocal opposition to the Poolbeg incinerator, this is a major political failure for John Gormley. He had six months to come up with his own waste management policy.

“But Minister Gormley chose not to amend government policy because he has effectively done a complete U-turn since his appointment in supporting the principle of incineration.”

But Mr Gormley denied those claims and said the incinerator could still be stopped.

“I came into office during the middle of this planning process. I’ve tried to change waste policy. I will continue to actually change waste policy and I’m hoping that by doing that, this particular plant will become redundant,” the minister, who lives close to the proposed site for the incinerator, told RTÉ.

He will this week set the terms of reference for a new waste management policy, to be finalised within nine months.

Construction work on the incinerator is unlikely to have begun before then as the city council must first obtain a waste licence.

In addition, residents have signalled their intention to fight the project.

Solicitor Damien Cassidy, chairman of the Ringsend Environment Group, said its members would meet this week to “instruct counsel”. He also defended the minister, saying: “John Gormley can’t do the impossible.”