The Irish Times reports that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern recently claimed that four of the eight planned incinerators would now be required.
However, Environment Minister John Gormley is believed to have said that just two of the waste-to-energy incinerators would be needed.
An opposition spokesperson was quick to point out that the incident showed cracks in the coalition’s environmental policy.
Labour spokesperson Joanna Tuffy told the publication: “Minister Gormley is at the receiving end of a sharp lesson in being the junior partner in a Fianna Fail-led Government.
“One would have to ask just who is in charge of our waste management policy. John Gormley’s credibility has been seriously damaged in what amounts to a humiliating rebuke.”
Recently, Minister Gormley said that it was vital Irish businesses focused on corporate responsibility in order to reduce their emissions.
James Cooper