MEPs will today visit the proposed site of the Poolbeg incinerator in Dublin, just days after Dublin City Council announced that the project was back on track following an agreement with developers.
The MEPs' Petitions Committee is investigating whether European environmental laws have been breached on the project which is strongly backed by Dublin City Council officials.
The delegation, led by Polish MEP Marcin Libicki, will meet the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, and later with the Minister of State for Europe, Dick Roche.
Mr Gormley, who represents Dublin South East, was one of the strongest opponents of the project during his time in Opposition, frequently attacking the then Progressive Democrats TD Michael McDowell over the Government's support for the project.
Dublin City Council has confirmed its design, build, finance and operate contract with Dublin Waste to Energy Ltd, a Danish/US joint venture.
Following financial difficulties, the Danish firm, DONG Energy sought new partners for the Dublin project, before agreeing a deal with Covanta Energy, USA.
The Danish firm's original contract with Dublin City Council had previously been approved by Mr Gormley's predecessor in Environment, Mr Roche.
Opponents of the project argue that the council and the companies involved must seek a new ministerial approval because the contract has been materially changed by the arrival of a new partner.
The European Parliament's Petitions Committee arrives in Dublin following appeals from residents and Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews, among others.
Mr Andrews said the visit of the EU delegation showed "the ability of the EU to act on behalf of citizens and residents" where the Irish authorities had let them down.
