An oral hearing is to get underway into the controversial plan for what would be one of the largest municipal waste incinerators in Europe.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received 14 valid objections against the Poolbeg Incinerator, which are to be voiced at the hearing in Dublin today.

Local residents have expressed concern regarding the pollution and traffic congestion resulting from the incinerator, which would be capable of dealing with 600,000 tonnes of waste annually.

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The plant, as previously approved by the planning board, would be located on a 12-hectare site in Poolbeg, west of the regional sewage plant.

The main incinerator building will be 200m long, 130m wide and 52m high and will be adjoined by two 100m chimney stacks.

If the EPA awards the licence, Dublin City Council plans to start construction in late 2008 or early 2009, which is expected to take three years to complete.

The hearing, in the Gresham Hotel, is open to the public. After the hearing, a report and recommendation will be submitted to the EPA Board and a final decision on whether or not to grant a licence will be made.

(VB/JM)