Ireland in breach of EU environment law

THE European Court of Justice has ruled that Ireland is in breach of an EU directive setting out how potentially dangerous developments are assessed for likely environmental effects before planning permission is granted.

The case was taken by an environmental organisation, Cork Harbour for a Safe Environment (CHASE), and others who had concerns about the proposed building of two multimillion euro waste incinerators at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, by waste management company Indaver.

The ruling is likely to have implications for the Indaver project, as the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process by which Indaver’s controversial proposal is being assessed has been found to be in breach of EU law.