EU rows back on fines threat

The European Commission office in Dublin has clarified its contention that Ireland is facing fines of up to €21,600 per day because of the State's failure to comply with environmental directives.

The Dublin office announced on Thursday that the State had failed to satisfy the commission on its proposals to amend its stance on environmental management. As a result the commission would be seeking the imposition of fines against Ireland at the European Court of Justice on October 11th.

However, Minister for the Environment Dick Roche said yesterday he was astonished by the remarks and the issue had been settled with the European Commission to the commission's satisfaction. The case was to be withdrawn by the commission when it came before the court on October 11th, he said yesterday.

Mr Roche spoke to commission personnel yesterday afternoon, and new measures to improve communication between both bodies were agreed.

Later the Dublin office said it was pleased to say that the commission was not intending to proceed with the case against Ireland for failing to comply with a council directive.

"Steps are being taken to withdraw the proceedings, which had been listed in the European Court of Justice for 11 October, on the basis of compliance by the Irish authorities.

"In particular, new legislation was adopted in Ireland this summer, and the designation of 50,000 hectares of sensitive upland and lowland peat bogs has recently been completed," it said.