An application has been lodged at the High Court to overturn the decision to grant planning permission to build a toxic-waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
The challenge has been made by 11 harbour area residents and by the Ringaskiddy and District Residents Association. Cork County Council had earlier refused the application.
The High Court will hear the application on April 19th.
The opponents to the incinerator claim that An Bord Pleanála has infringed their rights to fair procedures, to respect for family life and bodily integrity.
They also accuse An Bord Pleanála of breaching provisions of the Constitution and EU law, as well as the recently adopted European Convention on Human Rights Act. An Bord Pleanála is expected to deny the allegations.
The €70 million incinerator will process up to 100,000 tonnes of hazardous waste a year.
A public hearing about the incinerator was begun last September when more than 20,000 people signed a petition against the project.
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, said the European Union had put Ireland under huge pressure to export toxic waste, 60 per cent of which is produced by chemical companies in Cork.
The Green Party welcomed the court challenge. Cork South Central TD Mr Dan Boyle said: "Given the renewed propaganda drive of the Indaver company, which wants to build and operate this toxic waste incinerator, it seems that even they are not confident they have received sufficient sanction for their unwelcome and unwanted incinerator."