Govt may fast-track waste management

The Government may forward plans for waste incinerators and landfill sites directly to An Bórd Pleanála in an effort to speed up construction, according to reports this morning.

The move would allow the Government to bypass local authorities, which currently have the power to make initial planning decisions.

Environment Minister Martin Cullen has said he is awaiting legal advice in the matter, which would require a change in the planning laws.

He said his aim is to speed up the delivery of waste management schemes and the assessment of objections to such schemes.