Legislation to set up a fast-track planning process for major infrastructure projects has been delayed due to a reluctance by some Ministers and Departments to allow dumps and incinerators to be included in the new process.
The legislation, which was to be published last May, provides for a mechanism to dramatically reduce the time taken for major projects to pass through the planning stage.
However, it is understood that the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, whose Department is behind the legislation, is facing considerable opposition to the inclusion of waste management projects in the definition of critical infrastructure.
The legislation, which is almost complete, has been on the agenda for Cabinet meetings since May, but is still being discussed by a sub-committee, including the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney.
The opposition to the inclusion of waste infrastructure is believed to be mainly from the Progressive Democrats.
The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, has previously stated that he and his party are opposed to the inclusion of incinerators in the new Bill. Dublin City Council is currently planning for a municipal incinerator in Ringsend, Mr McDowell's constituency.
The proposal has been opposed by residents groups, and Mr McDowell has attended and spoke at meetings opposing the plant.
The Minister for the Environment has previously been on the record on his belief that waste infrastructure, including modern landfills and incinerators, were of national importance.
Yesterday, sources in Mr Cullen's Department indicated that the Minister was adamant that waste projects be included.
"This is about national infrastructure and a national good," according to the source.
The legislation had previously been seen as a priority by the Government, following delays of up to three years on roads and other major projects because of the planning process.
Planning delays were also blamed for large increases in the costs of such projects.
The legislation is expected to provide for the establishment of a special planning board to consider major projects from the outset.
This would be a departure from the current system, where they first go to the local authority and then on to An Bord Pleanála.