A SLIGO-based district judge has been getting hate mail over the fall-out from the “Shell to Sea” protests in County Mayo. Judge Mary Devins has revealed that hate mail has been sent to her following cases she dealt with in connection with the protests. Some of the mail was signed, but the “cowards” who had sent unsigned mail had shown their ignorance of her, she told the court.
Some of this mail involved print-outs of various indy-media and newspaper reports. The judge - who is the wife of Sligo-North Leitrim TD and junior government minister Dr Jimmy Devins - told Belmullet district court that she was satisfied about her neutrality in the cases - despite the letters. “I am quite satisfied as to my independence” she said. “I am not a coward.” She said she considered the independence of the judiciary to be sacrosanct, and said that in her eight years on the bench in Mayo, if people went back to check, her independence would be very obvious. The judge said she was not barring herself from hearing three cases which related to the Shell protests, on the basis that she may be perceived to be influenced by previous cases or by the threatening letters she received. A defending solicitor - Alan Gannon - made the application saying ‘justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done’. He said he did not support the fact the judge had received “hate mail”, which he said was wrong. But he was concerned that a reasonable person sitting in the court might be concerned that perhaps justice was not seen to be done. Judge Devins said she had got hate mail over other cases and it had not affected her judgement. “Not a single thing has ever influenced my decisions,” she said. “When I am sitting on the bench that is all I am, a judge of the district court. I am not a coward”. Four defendants appeared before Belmullet district court in connection with disturbances at the “Shell to Sea” protest at Bellanaboy. The cases were adjourned for hearing until October 19.
Gerry McLaughlin
Sligo Weekender
Saturday, 29 September 2007
Black raises locals' Hill of Allen fears
There is “a great deal of concern” being expressed in the local community about the future of the quarry on the Hill of Allen.That is according to councillor Pat Black, who was speaking at Monday’s Kildare County Council meeting.The lack of public input in the deal between Kildare County Council and Roadstone over the future of the quarry on the Hill of Allen was queried earlier this month at the Kildare electoral area committee meeting.That meeting was told that Roadstone had challenged, through the courts, Kildare County Council’s entitlement to insist that they get planning permission for the quarry.
However, a deal was struck between the Council and Roadstone, the details of which are expected to be released in the coming weeks.The issue raised its head at the full Council meeting again on Monday.“I am not sure whether we are losing the PR battle, or whether this is a PR battle,” said Cllr. Black.“But I have heard expressed a great deal of concern. Is it possible to be up front about what is going on?”Cllr. Black said he had heard it from members of the public that they were concerned at discussions between the local authority and Roadstone.He said he would like it cleared up with nothing added to the rumours.Kildare County Council official John Lahart said that he would not comment on the specific planning application involved because it was going through the planning process.However, he said that any planning application would be looked at under the law and current standing planning regulations.The Hill of Allen Action group sent a letter to councillors this week highlighting their concerns regarding the plans for the area.
Fianna Fail councillor Paul Kelly said that his party locally wanted to know the state of play in the planning process.
David Lynch
Leinster Leader
However, a deal was struck between the Council and Roadstone, the details of which are expected to be released in the coming weeks.The issue raised its head at the full Council meeting again on Monday.“I am not sure whether we are losing the PR battle, or whether this is a PR battle,” said Cllr. Black.“But I have heard expressed a great deal of concern. Is it possible to be up front about what is going on?”Cllr. Black said he had heard it from members of the public that they were concerned at discussions between the local authority and Roadstone.He said he would like it cleared up with nothing added to the rumours.Kildare County Council official John Lahart said that he would not comment on the specific planning application involved because it was going through the planning process.However, he said that any planning application would be looked at under the law and current standing planning regulations.The Hill of Allen Action group sent a letter to councillors this week highlighting their concerns regarding the plans for the area.
Fianna Fail councillor Paul Kelly said that his party locally wanted to know the state of play in the planning process.
David Lynch
Leinster Leader
Concern grows over Tesco's plans for Carrick filling station
TESCO’S PLANS for a petrol filling station in Carrick-onShannon have been described as “bad news for north east Roscommon”. Now a Fianna Fail county councillor has claimed that the region will have an economic fight on its hands if permission is given for the development.
Already an application lodged with Leitrim County Council by Tesco for a petrol filling station, shop kiosk, car wash and canopy, at its Carrickon-Shannon supermarket site has caused a storm of controversy. Objectors claim that it could have serious consequences for small familyrun businesses and jobs in Carrick-on-Shannon and in north east Roscommon.
Cllr Eugene Murphy has claimed that family-run businesses in Roosky, Elphin, Strokestown and the Boyle area would find it extremely difficult to survive if Tesco got the go-ahead from Leitrim County Council. “I have no desire to become involved in the affairs of another local authority area, but the outcome of this could be very crucial to Northeast Roscommon. There are many family businesses in my part of County Roscommon, and if the Carrickon-Shannon Tesco development gets the green light, they will have to shed jobs and in some cases I believe will have to close their doors. We cannot sacrifice the filling stations and shops remaining in our region so as to build up one or two towns. I also believe that shops and filling stations in the general Carrick-onShannon area will be very vulnerable if this development goes ahead, but I will leave that side of the argument to the various representatives in that region,” he said. While Cllr Murphy did acknowledge that Tesco did give “decent employment” in the region, he warned “further development will be at the expense of other jobs in the area. “I am now making written contact with the Leitrim County Manager to outline my concerns on this issue. This multi-national group admittedly does give decent employment in the general region, but remember, if further development leads to job losses in other parts of the region, then jobs are only being replaced. I accept one cannot always interfere with a free market, but surely we must not allow big powerful groups to rule the roost completely.” he concluded.
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
Roscommon Herald
Already an application lodged with Leitrim County Council by Tesco for a petrol filling station, shop kiosk, car wash and canopy, at its Carrickon-Shannon supermarket site has caused a storm of controversy. Objectors claim that it could have serious consequences for small familyrun businesses and jobs in Carrick-on-Shannon and in north east Roscommon.
Cllr Eugene Murphy has claimed that family-run businesses in Roosky, Elphin, Strokestown and the Boyle area would find it extremely difficult to survive if Tesco got the go-ahead from Leitrim County Council. “I have no desire to become involved in the affairs of another local authority area, but the outcome of this could be very crucial to Northeast Roscommon. There are many family businesses in my part of County Roscommon, and if the Carrickon-Shannon Tesco development gets the green light, they will have to shed jobs and in some cases I believe will have to close their doors. We cannot sacrifice the filling stations and shops remaining in our region so as to build up one or two towns. I also believe that shops and filling stations in the general Carrick-onShannon area will be very vulnerable if this development goes ahead, but I will leave that side of the argument to the various representatives in that region,” he said. While Cllr Murphy did acknowledge that Tesco did give “decent employment” in the region, he warned “further development will be at the expense of other jobs in the area. “I am now making written contact with the Leitrim County Manager to outline my concerns on this issue. This multi-national group admittedly does give decent employment in the general region, but remember, if further development leads to job losses in other parts of the region, then jobs are only being replaced. I accept one cannot always interfere with a free market, but surely we must not allow big powerful groups to rule the roost completely.” he concluded.
BRENDAN MCCARTHY
Roscommon Herald
Judge orders demolition
FORMER architect David Grant was yesterday ordered to demolish an unauthorised extension to his Dublin 4 home.
Mr Grant did not appear in Dublin District Court yesterday and was not represented. The court heard he built a two-storey extension at the rear of his Haddington Road home without permission.
An application to have it declared exempted development was rejected. He was served with an enforcement notice requiring its removal but as of last Tuesday, it was still in place.
Judge Anthony J Halpin ordered that the structure be removed within a month and fined Mr Grant €1,500.
© Irish Independent
Mr Grant did not appear in Dublin District Court yesterday and was not represented. The court heard he built a two-storey extension at the rear of his Haddington Road home without permission.
An application to have it declared exempted development was rejected. He was served with an enforcement notice requiring its removal but as of last Tuesday, it was still in place.
Judge Anthony J Halpin ordered that the structure be removed within a month and fined Mr Grant €1,500.
© Irish Independent
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Massive wall needed to save city from 'devastating floods'
DUBLIN needs a massive coastal defence wall linking Howth and Dun Laoghaire if the type of devastating flooding which has struck the capital in recent years is to be averted.
And a major report on the future of Dublin Bay calls for a full relocation of Dublin Port to allow housing and offices to be built in the heart of the capital city.
The report, commissioned by the city council, proposes building a 'tidal barrage structure' and using waters in Dublin Bay to generate power through use of tidal energy.
It also proposes building a new island -- to be called South Bull Island -- which would allow a freshwater reservoir to be built which could provide drinking water for the city.
The radical measures are put forward in the report 'Dublin Bay: An Integrated Economic, Cultural and Social Vision for Sustainable Development'.
It highlights the 'vital role' that Dublin Port plays in the development of the city, but says there is a 'growing realisation' that the port lands are 'strategically important' and offer potential for residential and employment-generating business opportunities.
Moving the port is a "robust and compelling option", it says.
"Dublin is constrained by its capacity to grow and to generate new employment by a lack of space," it says. "The status quo with the port remaining on site means there is no additional capacity for growth. Full relocation of the port and development of the vacated site for a mixed use of residential, public and employment space offers the best long-term impact for Dublin."
Redevelopment of the port lands would allow the creation of a new 'city quarter', provide homes for 'at least' 55,000 people and the option would be 'economically very beneficial'.
But it warns the relocation would be expensive given the 'high level' of infrastructure required for a busy port. The process could take up to 12 years.
Informed sources said last night that the report did not offer a solution on how the port could be moved, and there was no alternative location identified.
"It seems to be a property play. The value of the port is big to the economy, and this is like saying building on Tara Street or Connolly Station is fine because you can bus people in and you won't have the noise from trains."
The plan also proposes linking the 1,700-acre Phoenix Park into the city by developing a 'tree lined boulevard' from the park gates alongside the River Liffey.
To develop the capital into a 'truly world class city' a 'new image' must be established with iconic buildings and public spaces. Turning Dublin Bay into a marine reserve is also proposed.
But its proposals to tackle flooding in the city are by far the most radical elements.
It considers four options, saying that flooding of large tracts of the city is 'inevitable' unless preventative measures are taken.
The options include building a 'tidal barrage structure' -- or flood defence wall -- between Dun Laoghaire and Howth, using the water in the bay to generate power. The structure could be used as a road or rail link.
Another option could see flood defence walls built between Howth and Bull Island, and between the ends of the north and south Bull walls. A 'South Bull Island' could be constructed 'some distance' offshore which would be used for recreation purposes. Tidal generators for electricity production could be included, as well as wind turbines.
The report also envisages the creation of a freshwater reservoir which would be used to provide drinking water for the capital.
Irish Independent
And a major report on the future of Dublin Bay calls for a full relocation of Dublin Port to allow housing and offices to be built in the heart of the capital city.
The report, commissioned by the city council, proposes building a 'tidal barrage structure' and using waters in Dublin Bay to generate power through use of tidal energy.
It also proposes building a new island -- to be called South Bull Island -- which would allow a freshwater reservoir to be built which could provide drinking water for the city.
The radical measures are put forward in the report 'Dublin Bay: An Integrated Economic, Cultural and Social Vision for Sustainable Development'.
It highlights the 'vital role' that Dublin Port plays in the development of the city, but says there is a 'growing realisation' that the port lands are 'strategically important' and offer potential for residential and employment-generating business opportunities.
Moving the port is a "robust and compelling option", it says.
"Dublin is constrained by its capacity to grow and to generate new employment by a lack of space," it says. "The status quo with the port remaining on site means there is no additional capacity for growth. Full relocation of the port and development of the vacated site for a mixed use of residential, public and employment space offers the best long-term impact for Dublin."
Redevelopment of the port lands would allow the creation of a new 'city quarter', provide homes for 'at least' 55,000 people and the option would be 'economically very beneficial'.
But it warns the relocation would be expensive given the 'high level' of infrastructure required for a busy port. The process could take up to 12 years.
Informed sources said last night that the report did not offer a solution on how the port could be moved, and there was no alternative location identified.
"It seems to be a property play. The value of the port is big to the economy, and this is like saying building on Tara Street or Connolly Station is fine because you can bus people in and you won't have the noise from trains."
The plan also proposes linking the 1,700-acre Phoenix Park into the city by developing a 'tree lined boulevard' from the park gates alongside the River Liffey.
To develop the capital into a 'truly world class city' a 'new image' must be established with iconic buildings and public spaces. Turning Dublin Bay into a marine reserve is also proposed.
But its proposals to tackle flooding in the city are by far the most radical elements.
It considers four options, saying that flooding of large tracts of the city is 'inevitable' unless preventative measures are taken.
The options include building a 'tidal barrage structure' -- or flood defence wall -- between Dun Laoghaire and Howth, using the water in the bay to generate power. The structure could be used as a road or rail link.
Another option could see flood defence walls built between Howth and Bull Island, and between the ends of the north and south Bull walls. A 'South Bull Island' could be constructed 'some distance' offshore which would be used for recreation purposes. Tidal generators for electricity production could be included, as well as wind turbines.
The report also envisages the creation of a freshwater reservoir which would be used to provide drinking water for the capital.
Irish Independent
Dunlop had 'ready access' to ministers
Frank Dunlop had ready access to Government ministers and was able to arrange meetings with them for his clients.
Yesterday Mr Dunlop said his contacts were across the political divide, but he had no recollection of ever meeting former Environment Minister Padraig Flynn in relation to either the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre or the proposed development at Quarryvale.
Mr Dunlop said he worked for John Corcoran of Green Properties, the developers of Blanchardstown.
Mr Corcoran was anxious to get tax designation for Blanchardstown and had asked the late Brian Lenihan about it.
"I recall Mr Lenihan, prior to a Cabinet meeting, raising the tax designation issue with the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, but Mr Haughey's response was extremely negative," he said.
"I was told by Liam Lawlor who was told by Ray Burke that Mr Haughey's reply was 'Brian, not today, not tomorrow not (expletive) ever.'"
Mr Dunlop added that Mr Corcoran was concerned that a rival development at Quarryvale would impact on his plans for Blanchardstown. Mr Corcoran wanted to get the tax designation before proceeding to develop the shopping centre.
The former lobbyist told the Mahon Tribunal that it was the late Liam Lawlor who told him to contact Tom Gilmartin and offer his lobbying services for the Quarryvale project.
He wrote to Mr Gilmartin and enclosed press cuttings which dealt with allegations of corruption in the planning process in Dublin.
Relationship
He knew it was Mr Gilmartin who had made these allegations and agreed with tribunal counsel, Patricia Dillon SC, that a person who made such allegations was unlikely to be involved in corrupt practices himself.
Mr Dunlop said Mr Corcoran was not "best pleased" when he found out that Mr Dunlop had gone to work for Owen O'Callaghan who was then involved in Quarryvale.
His business relationship with Mr Corcorcan had ended rather abruptly around August 1990. He began working for Mr O'Callaghan in 1991.
Mr Dunlop said he made his first corrupt payment in 1991.
Irish Independent
Yesterday Mr Dunlop said his contacts were across the political divide, but he had no recollection of ever meeting former Environment Minister Padraig Flynn in relation to either the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre or the proposed development at Quarryvale.
Mr Dunlop said he worked for John Corcoran of Green Properties, the developers of Blanchardstown.
Mr Corcoran was anxious to get tax designation for Blanchardstown and had asked the late Brian Lenihan about it.
"I recall Mr Lenihan, prior to a Cabinet meeting, raising the tax designation issue with the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, but Mr Haughey's response was extremely negative," he said.
"I was told by Liam Lawlor who was told by Ray Burke that Mr Haughey's reply was 'Brian, not today, not tomorrow not (expletive) ever.'"
Mr Dunlop added that Mr Corcoran was concerned that a rival development at Quarryvale would impact on his plans for Blanchardstown. Mr Corcoran wanted to get the tax designation before proceeding to develop the shopping centre.
The former lobbyist told the Mahon Tribunal that it was the late Liam Lawlor who told him to contact Tom Gilmartin and offer his lobbying services for the Quarryvale project.
He wrote to Mr Gilmartin and enclosed press cuttings which dealt with allegations of corruption in the planning process in Dublin.
Relationship
He knew it was Mr Gilmartin who had made these allegations and agreed with tribunal counsel, Patricia Dillon SC, that a person who made such allegations was unlikely to be involved in corrupt practices himself.
Mr Dunlop said Mr Corcoran was not "best pleased" when he found out that Mr Dunlop had gone to work for Owen O'Callaghan who was then involved in Quarryvale.
His business relationship with Mr Corcorcan had ended rather abruptly around August 1990. He began working for Mr O'Callaghan in 1991.
Mr Dunlop said he made his first corrupt payment in 1991.
Irish Independent
Gormley: We have just 10 years to change
MANKIND has just 10 years to ensure the planet remains habitable for human beings, Environment Minister John Gormley told the UN in New York.
Ireland will keep its climate change emission commitments under the Kyoto Treaty, he told world leaders.
He also did not rule out the introduction of a carbon tax to meet commitments.
The meeting was called to galvanise the support of governments around the world for a new, comprehensive treaty to limit the emission of greenhouse gases and replace the one agreed in Kyoto, which expires in 2012.
In his address, Mr Gormley warned that the window of opportunity to avert the worst consequences of climate change was fast closing.
"We have 10 years. Ten years to stabilise our greenhouse gas emissions, to ensure that our planet remains habitable for human beings, 10 years to act decisively," he said.
"And we have squandered precious time," added the minister.
Ireland was a relatively small western European country, Mr Gormley told the General Assembly.
"Thanks to the warming effect of the Gulfstream on the north Atlantic, we have a temperate climate all year round."
He said:"We value our temperate climate and we are determined to do everything possible to protect it in the interest of present and future generations of Irish people."
Meanwhile, a survey carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes for the Power of One campaign by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources shows that 36pc of workers label themselves "energy wasters" in the workplace.
Irish Independent
Ireland will keep its climate change emission commitments under the Kyoto Treaty, he told world leaders.
He also did not rule out the introduction of a carbon tax to meet commitments.
The meeting was called to galvanise the support of governments around the world for a new, comprehensive treaty to limit the emission of greenhouse gases and replace the one agreed in Kyoto, which expires in 2012.
In his address, Mr Gormley warned that the window of opportunity to avert the worst consequences of climate change was fast closing.
"We have 10 years. Ten years to stabilise our greenhouse gas emissions, to ensure that our planet remains habitable for human beings, 10 years to act decisively," he said.
"And we have squandered precious time," added the minister.
Ireland was a relatively small western European country, Mr Gormley told the General Assembly.
"Thanks to the warming effect of the Gulfstream on the north Atlantic, we have a temperate climate all year round."
He said:"We value our temperate climate and we are determined to do everything possible to protect it in the interest of present and future generations of Irish people."
Meanwhile, a survey carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes for the Power of One campaign by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources shows that 36pc of workers label themselves "energy wasters" in the workplace.
Irish Independent
Giant seabed plumbing plan 'could halt global warming'
Global warming can be halted by plumbing a gigantic array of pipes into the depths of the oceans, according to two of the world's leading environmental scientists.
Pipes measuring up to 650ft (200m) long and 33ft in diameter should be installed and used to pump nutrient-rich water up to the surface to encourage plankton blooms, they say.
The plankton growth would then take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and encourage cloud formation that together would, they believe, cool the world and save it from global warming.
James Lovelock, the originator of the Gaia theory, and Chris Rapley, director of the Science Museum and a former head of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), put forward the proposal in a letter to the scientific journal Nature.
The two professors hoped that their proposal would encourage other scientists to concentrate on establishing novel techniques to halt global warming instead of writing off geo-engineering as an impossible solution.
But the idea ran into controversy at once, with one scientist branding it "a waste of time" and others expressing doubts about its effectiveness.
Under the proposal, hundreds of thousands of pipes -- placed strategically in the seas -- would be fitted with a buoyant collar to keep one end at the surface, where they would rise and fall with the waves. Nutrients at the surface would encourage blooms of microscopic plant life, the professors suggested.
The Times, London
Pipes measuring up to 650ft (200m) long and 33ft in diameter should be installed and used to pump nutrient-rich water up to the surface to encourage plankton blooms, they say.
The plankton growth would then take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and encourage cloud formation that together would, they believe, cool the world and save it from global warming.
James Lovelock, the originator of the Gaia theory, and Chris Rapley, director of the Science Museum and a former head of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), put forward the proposal in a letter to the scientific journal Nature.
The two professors hoped that their proposal would encourage other scientists to concentrate on establishing novel techniques to halt global warming instead of writing off geo-engineering as an impossible solution.
But the idea ran into controversy at once, with one scientist branding it "a waste of time" and others expressing doubts about its effectiveness.
Under the proposal, hundreds of thousands of pipes -- placed strategically in the seas -- would be fitted with a buoyant collar to keep one end at the surface, where they would rise and fall with the waves. Nutrients at the surface would encourage blooms of microscopic plant life, the professors suggested.
The Times, London
New Luas line set for launch
A BRAND new Luas line from Lucan to Dublin city centre, capable of carrying 20 million passengers annually, will be unveiled today.
The F line is expected to be finished in 2013 and will serve Ballyfermot, Liffey Valley and Lucan.
It will open up a new tram corridor on the south inner city for areas that now have poor rail access.
The line will also connect to the existing Tallaght and Sandyford Luas lines, Irish rail commuter services and the proposed Metro North.
Irish Examiner
The F line is expected to be finished in 2013 and will serve Ballyfermot, Liffey Valley and Lucan.
It will open up a new tram corridor on the south inner city for areas that now have poor rail access.
The line will also connect to the existing Tallaght and Sandyford Luas lines, Irish rail commuter services and the proposed Metro North.
Irish Examiner
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
EPA issues proposed decision on landfill at Lusk, Co Dublin
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced details of its Proposed Decision to grant a licence to Fingal County Council to develop an engineered landfill facility and public recycling facility at Nevitt, Lusk, County Dublin.
The proposed decision provides for the development of an engineered landfill with a maximum annual intake of 500,000 tonnes of non-hazardous residual waste and an associated public recycling facility.
Residual waste, in the context of landfill, is waste that has been subjected to pre-treatment (including pre-segregation, mechanical-biological treatment and energy recovery) to extract the recyclable/reusable components and energy benefit.
The proposed decision contains more than 130 individual conditions relating to the environmental management, operation, control and monitoring of the proposed facility.
The EPA is satisfied that emissions from the landfill, when operated in accordance with the conditions of the proposed licence, will not adversely affect human health or the environment and will meet all relevant national and EU standards.
Conditions imposed include the following requirements -
* Only residual waste (i.e. waste which has been pre-treated) may be landfilled at the facility;
* The installation of a lining system, in line with EU specified standards;
* Strict controls on all emissions to be put in place;
* The collection and treatment of leachate generated at the landfill;
* The collection and treatment of landfill gases with possibility for generation of electricity through combustion of the gas;
* The completion of a wide range of environmental monitoring and assessment on an ongoing basis - both throughout the life of the landfill and after closure.
The EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement will monitor and enforce these conditions through environmental audits, unannounced site visits and systematic checks on emissions.
The licence application
The licence application - register number W0231-01 - sought permission for the operation of an engineered landfill and recycling facility at the site. The EPA received the licence application on 5th July, 2006. Further information was sought from the applicant and was received by the EPA, completing the application, on 28th June, 2007.
The EPA has considered the application and supporting documentation, including an Environmental Impact Statement received from the applicant, 105 valid submissions received from other parties and the report of its inspector.
Next steps
There now follows a 28-day public consultation period in which objections or requests for oral hearings can be lodged with the EPA by any person or body - including the applicant. In this case, the period ends on 17th October, 2007 and objections should be directed to EPA Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford.
As the EPA can only consider objections received before the period ends, it is essential that an objection be made to the EPA in good time. The objection procedures are set out in Regulations - and details of these can be found on the EPA website - Click Here
As this is the first step in a statutory licensing process - and, in view of the fact that the objection period has now commenced - the EPA is not in a position to comment further on the proposed decision.
All the documentation received by the EPA - including the application, Environmental Impact Statement, third party submissions, proposed decision and inspector's reports are available on the EPA website - Click Here The waste licence application number is W0231-01.
How the licensing process works -
1. Given the complexity and scale of some waste activities, the EPA provides pre-application clarification and consultation, so that applications are as complete as possible.
2. Once received, the application is rigorously assessed by a team of experts from the EPA's Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use.
3. Extra information may be required from the applicant during this assessment.
4. When the application is deemed complete and has been fully assessed, the EPA's Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use makes a recommendation on the application to the Board of Directors of the EPA.
5. The Board assesses the recommendation - together with the application and all submissions - before making a decision.
6. The Board's decision - in the form of a Proposed Decision (PD) - is notified to the applicant, all third parties who made a submission on the application and other statutory consultees.
7. There follows a 28-day period when any person can submit an objection and request an oral hearing. They can also make submissions on other objections.
8. All objections and submissions on objections are considered by a Technical Committee of the EPA or through an oral hearing process.
9. Should the EPA decide to hold an oral hearing, any person who lodged a valid objection - as well as the applicant - has an automatic right to attend and participate fully at a hearing.
All hearings are open to the public. Members of the public can participate in the proceedings where they have lodged a valid objection or with the express approval of the Chairperson.
10. On completion of an oral hearing, the Chairperson will submit a report of the hearing to the EPA. In this report, the Chairperson must make a recommendation to grant or refuse a licence.
Where the recommendation is to grant a licence, the Chairperson must outline the recommended conditions to be attached to the licence.
11. The recommendations arising - together with the objections and submissions - are considered by the Board of Directors before making a final decision to either refuse a licence or to grant a licence with or without conditions.
The EPA is debarred in law from granting a waste licence unless it is satisfied that the activity concerned - carried out in accordance with such conditions as may be attached to a licence - will not cause environmental pollution.
The proposed decision provides for the development of an engineered landfill with a maximum annual intake of 500,000 tonnes of non-hazardous residual waste and an associated public recycling facility.
Residual waste, in the context of landfill, is waste that has been subjected to pre-treatment (including pre-segregation, mechanical-biological treatment and energy recovery) to extract the recyclable/reusable components and energy benefit.
The proposed decision contains more than 130 individual conditions relating to the environmental management, operation, control and monitoring of the proposed facility.
The EPA is satisfied that emissions from the landfill, when operated in accordance with the conditions of the proposed licence, will not adversely affect human health or the environment and will meet all relevant national and EU standards.
Conditions imposed include the following requirements -
* Only residual waste (i.e. waste which has been pre-treated) may be landfilled at the facility;
* The installation of a lining system, in line with EU specified standards;
* Strict controls on all emissions to be put in place;
* The collection and treatment of leachate generated at the landfill;
* The collection and treatment of landfill gases with possibility for generation of electricity through combustion of the gas;
* The completion of a wide range of environmental monitoring and assessment on an ongoing basis - both throughout the life of the landfill and after closure.
The EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement will monitor and enforce these conditions through environmental audits, unannounced site visits and systematic checks on emissions.
The licence application
The licence application - register number W0231-01 - sought permission for the operation of an engineered landfill and recycling facility at the site. The EPA received the licence application on 5th July, 2006. Further information was sought from the applicant and was received by the EPA, completing the application, on 28th June, 2007.
The EPA has considered the application and supporting documentation, including an Environmental Impact Statement received from the applicant, 105 valid submissions received from other parties and the report of its inspector.
Next steps
There now follows a 28-day public consultation period in which objections or requests for oral hearings can be lodged with the EPA by any person or body - including the applicant. In this case, the period ends on 17th October, 2007 and objections should be directed to EPA Headquarters, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford.
As the EPA can only consider objections received before the period ends, it is essential that an objection be made to the EPA in good time. The objection procedures are set out in Regulations - and details of these can be found on the EPA website - Click Here
As this is the first step in a statutory licensing process - and, in view of the fact that the objection period has now commenced - the EPA is not in a position to comment further on the proposed decision.
All the documentation received by the EPA - including the application, Environmental Impact Statement, third party submissions, proposed decision and inspector's reports are available on the EPA website - Click Here The waste licence application number is W0231-01.
How the licensing process works -
1. Given the complexity and scale of some waste activities, the EPA provides pre-application clarification and consultation, so that applications are as complete as possible.
2. Once received, the application is rigorously assessed by a team of experts from the EPA's Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use.
3. Extra information may be required from the applicant during this assessment.
4. When the application is deemed complete and has been fully assessed, the EPA's Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use makes a recommendation on the application to the Board of Directors of the EPA.
5. The Board assesses the recommendation - together with the application and all submissions - before making a decision.
6. The Board's decision - in the form of a Proposed Decision (PD) - is notified to the applicant, all third parties who made a submission on the application and other statutory consultees.
7. There follows a 28-day period when any person can submit an objection and request an oral hearing. They can also make submissions on other objections.
8. All objections and submissions on objections are considered by a Technical Committee of the EPA or through an oral hearing process.
9. Should the EPA decide to hold an oral hearing, any person who lodged a valid objection - as well as the applicant - has an automatic right to attend and participate fully at a hearing.
All hearings are open to the public. Members of the public can participate in the proceedings where they have lodged a valid objection or with the express approval of the Chairperson.
10. On completion of an oral hearing, the Chairperson will submit a report of the hearing to the EPA. In this report, the Chairperson must make a recommendation to grant or refuse a licence.
Where the recommendation is to grant a licence, the Chairperson must outline the recommended conditions to be attached to the licence.
11. The recommendations arising - together with the objections and submissions - are considered by the Board of Directors before making a final decision to either refuse a licence or to grant a licence with or without conditions.
The EPA is debarred in law from granting a waste licence unless it is satisfied that the activity concerned - carried out in accordance with such conditions as may be attached to a licence - will not cause environmental pollution.
Draft building regulations for new homes
Mr John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government has published draft building regulations under Part L of the building code dealing with energy efficiency for homes.
The draft Regulations provide for a dramatic improvement in energy efficiency standards in Irish homes. They are aimed at ensuring that new housing stock in Ireland is built to the highest international standards, where they will be cheaper to run and will have a much lower impact on the environment.
The draft Regulations provide for inter alia -
* A 40 per cent improvement in energy efficiency for new homes in 2008.
* A 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.
* A Mandatory minimum renewable energy requirement in all new homes, such as solar heating systems or biomass systems - e.g. wood pellet
* Mandatory levels of energy-efficient fixed light fittings
* Minimum standards on heating systems to ensure they are highly energy efficient
* Minimum requirements for heating system controls to minimise energy waste through excessive heating
* Air tightness testing, to ensure the homes are not leaking heat excessively
* Guidance on ensuring a minimum quality of workmanship and construction
* Consumer information on the efficient operation of the homeowner's dwelling as a minimum requirement.
* Commitment in the guidelines to review and improve regulations to 60 per cent in 2010, with the ultimate aim of achieving a zero-carbon standard for new houses in the medium to long-term
* New buildings should also be 'future-proofed' to be easily upgraded to higher energy and CO2 standards in the future.
"The draft Regulations which I have published today will change forever the way we deal with the housing stock under the building code. These Regulations are the first dramatic step in the process of achieving zero-carbon housing. The benefit to the consumer in savings on energy costs - as we face into an uncertain future with regard to carbon-based fuel costs - will be a huge benefit to homeowners" - said Minister Gormley. "It will also make a significant contribution to Ireland's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas levels.
"The improvement (40 per cent) is the largest ever to have taken place and the new Regulations also link energy-efficiency improvements to climate change, by requiring a specific reduction in CO2 emissions. New homes will be required to be built to specifications where they produce, on average, 40 per cent less CO2 than current standard new homes" - the Minister added.
Draft Regulations
The draft Regulations have been sent to the European Commission for consideration - as required under Competition law - and are being published on the Department's website for public consultation.
The Minister may choose to amend parts of the Regulations and Guidance following this public consultation process. The Minister intends to sign the regulations in December 07.
There will be a phasing-in period for the Regulations - as recommended by experts who have worked on them - in order to provide time for the industry to adjust. The intention is that the new rules will apply to all new housing planning applications after 1st July 2008. From 1st July 2009, they will apply to all new homes that have not been substantially completed at that stage, regardless of when planning permission was sought.
"These Regulations - when finalised and coupled with Regulations transposing the EU Directive (2002/91/EC) on the Energy Performance of Buildings which became law in December 2006 - provide a very strong base for creating a world-class energy efficient housing stock. They will make a significant contribution towards the implementation of our climate change strategy" - concluded Minister Gormley.
Energy and CO2 savings
The guidelines stipulate that the new homes can achieve these new standards in the following ways -
* Significant improvements in wall, roof and floor insulation levels will be required.
* Some form of renewable energy - such as solar thermal heating - will also be an essential element.
* The use of energy-efficient lighting (in the region of half of all fixed lights) will also reduce energy demand and CO2 levels.
* Heating systems will be required to have thermostats, time controls and, in larger homes, heating zones.
* Boilers will have to perform to minimum efficiency standards.
* Air testing to ensure homes are not leaking excessive heat will also be required.
* The guidelines will also provide a new emphasis on workmanship - and, for the first time, require that vendors provide consumer information to buyers on the operation of the home's heating and energy control systems.
How the minimum standards on renewable energy, lighting, etc, will work
For renewable energy, they will stipulate a minimum amount of energy in kilowatt-hours per square metre of the house. The amount has been set so that a modest solar water-heating system will meet the new requirements.
Similarly, the lighting efficiency standard will be based on a proportion of the floor area of the new house. Standards for boilers will effectively make highly efficient models - like condensing boilers - a basic requirement. Vendors of these new homes will have to provide easy-to-read consumer information on how the systems in the homes operate.
Future improvements
The policy aim of achieving zero-carbon homes in the future is stated for the first time in these new guidelines. It states that a review to improve the regulations further (to 60 per cent above current levels) will be carried out in 2010.
The document states - 'This revision of Part L represents a significant step towards the optimisation of the efficiency of energy use in new dwellings and the minimisation of related CO2 emissions. It is intended that the standards specified here will be tightened further in 2010. The aim is to achieve zero-carbon emissions associated with the operation and use of buildings, at the earliest date practicable'.
The guidelines also advise that new homes should be future-proofed. It states - 'Insofar as the current amendment does not achieve this target, the design and construction of dwellings complying with this amendment to Part L, should be carried out with due regard to the likely need to upgrade the building fabric and fixed services in the future, so as to reduce further carbon emissions associated with the operation and use of these dwellings'.
The draft Regulations provide for a dramatic improvement in energy efficiency standards in Irish homes. They are aimed at ensuring that new housing stock in Ireland is built to the highest international standards, where they will be cheaper to run and will have a much lower impact on the environment.
The draft Regulations provide for inter alia -
* A 40 per cent improvement in energy efficiency for new homes in 2008.
* A 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.
* A Mandatory minimum renewable energy requirement in all new homes, such as solar heating systems or biomass systems - e.g. wood pellet
* Mandatory levels of energy-efficient fixed light fittings
* Minimum standards on heating systems to ensure they are highly energy efficient
* Minimum requirements for heating system controls to minimise energy waste through excessive heating
* Air tightness testing, to ensure the homes are not leaking heat excessively
* Guidance on ensuring a minimum quality of workmanship and construction
* Consumer information on the efficient operation of the homeowner's dwelling as a minimum requirement.
* Commitment in the guidelines to review and improve regulations to 60 per cent in 2010, with the ultimate aim of achieving a zero-carbon standard for new houses in the medium to long-term
* New buildings should also be 'future-proofed' to be easily upgraded to higher energy and CO2 standards in the future.
"The draft Regulations which I have published today will change forever the way we deal with the housing stock under the building code. These Regulations are the first dramatic step in the process of achieving zero-carbon housing. The benefit to the consumer in savings on energy costs - as we face into an uncertain future with regard to carbon-based fuel costs - will be a huge benefit to homeowners" - said Minister Gormley. "It will also make a significant contribution to Ireland's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas levels.
"The improvement (40 per cent) is the largest ever to have taken place and the new Regulations also link energy-efficiency improvements to climate change, by requiring a specific reduction in CO2 emissions. New homes will be required to be built to specifications where they produce, on average, 40 per cent less CO2 than current standard new homes" - the Minister added.
Draft Regulations
The draft Regulations have been sent to the European Commission for consideration - as required under Competition law - and are being published on the Department's website for public consultation.
The Minister may choose to amend parts of the Regulations and Guidance following this public consultation process. The Minister intends to sign the regulations in December 07.
There will be a phasing-in period for the Regulations - as recommended by experts who have worked on them - in order to provide time for the industry to adjust. The intention is that the new rules will apply to all new housing planning applications after 1st July 2008. From 1st July 2009, they will apply to all new homes that have not been substantially completed at that stage, regardless of when planning permission was sought.
"These Regulations - when finalised and coupled with Regulations transposing the EU Directive (2002/91/EC) on the Energy Performance of Buildings which became law in December 2006 - provide a very strong base for creating a world-class energy efficient housing stock. They will make a significant contribution towards the implementation of our climate change strategy" - concluded Minister Gormley.
Energy and CO2 savings
The guidelines stipulate that the new homes can achieve these new standards in the following ways -
* Significant improvements in wall, roof and floor insulation levels will be required.
* Some form of renewable energy - such as solar thermal heating - will also be an essential element.
* The use of energy-efficient lighting (in the region of half of all fixed lights) will also reduce energy demand and CO2 levels.
* Heating systems will be required to have thermostats, time controls and, in larger homes, heating zones.
* Boilers will have to perform to minimum efficiency standards.
* Air testing to ensure homes are not leaking excessive heat will also be required.
* The guidelines will also provide a new emphasis on workmanship - and, for the first time, require that vendors provide consumer information to buyers on the operation of the home's heating and energy control systems.
How the minimum standards on renewable energy, lighting, etc, will work
For renewable energy, they will stipulate a minimum amount of energy in kilowatt-hours per square metre of the house. The amount has been set so that a modest solar water-heating system will meet the new requirements.
Similarly, the lighting efficiency standard will be based on a proportion of the floor area of the new house. Standards for boilers will effectively make highly efficient models - like condensing boilers - a basic requirement. Vendors of these new homes will have to provide easy-to-read consumer information on how the systems in the homes operate.
Future improvements
The policy aim of achieving zero-carbon homes in the future is stated for the first time in these new guidelines. It states that a review to improve the regulations further (to 60 per cent above current levels) will be carried out in 2010.
The document states - 'This revision of Part L represents a significant step towards the optimisation of the efficiency of energy use in new dwellings and the minimisation of related CO2 emissions. It is intended that the standards specified here will be tightened further in 2010. The aim is to achieve zero-carbon emissions associated with the operation and use of buildings, at the earliest date practicable'.
The guidelines also advise that new homes should be future-proofed. It states - 'Insofar as the current amendment does not achieve this target, the design and construction of dwellings complying with this amendment to Part L, should be carried out with due regard to the likely need to upgrade the building fabric and fixed services in the future, so as to reduce further carbon emissions associated with the operation and use of these dwellings'.
Activists unveil Tara plan
A new independent masterplan for Co Meath which drops the controversial section of the M3 motorway near the Hill of Tara, but includes a world heritage park, was launched last night. The masterplan, which derives its name from Model Archaeological and Sustainable Economic Region (Master) was put forward by environmental engineer Tadhg Crowleyand transport consultant Brian Guckian.
The plan aims to help Meath become a model in sustainable practices in the development of energy, housing, tourism, heritage, transport and business, over a five- to seven-year period. Included in the recommendations are "a compromise transport solution" that preserves the Gabhra Valley through which the M3 motorway is being built. The compromise solution would see current traffic spread across an upgrade of the existing road, as well as the use of more coaches and a reopened Navan rail link. Modifications to the M3 would drop the controversial section close to the Hill of Tara. Instead, the M3 motorway would run to Dunshaughlin, where traffic would route onto an upgraded existing road which comprises a "two plus one" lane road. This three-lane road has an alternating centre lane. The aim is to solve the problem of the proximity of the motorway to the Hill of Tara, while obviating the need to re-route the motorway. The re-opened rail link would be designed to serve key growing towns, including Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Navan and Kells. The plan also envisages the creation of a Unesco world heritage park, showcasing Meath's "unique and world-renowned heritage attractions", while implementing best practices in sustainable tourism. The park would stretch from Dunshaughlin to Navan and from Trim to the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge. Meath County Council said its own development plan, which supports the M3, remains unchanged. The independent plan is available at www.sacredireland org/meathmaster/index.html
Tim O'Brien
© 2007 The Irish Times
The plan aims to help Meath become a model in sustainable practices in the development of energy, housing, tourism, heritage, transport and business, over a five- to seven-year period. Included in the recommendations are "a compromise transport solution" that preserves the Gabhra Valley through which the M3 motorway is being built. The compromise solution would see current traffic spread across an upgrade of the existing road, as well as the use of more coaches and a reopened Navan rail link. Modifications to the M3 would drop the controversial section close to the Hill of Tara. Instead, the M3 motorway would run to Dunshaughlin, where traffic would route onto an upgraded existing road which comprises a "two plus one" lane road. This three-lane road has an alternating centre lane. The aim is to solve the problem of the proximity of the motorway to the Hill of Tara, while obviating the need to re-route the motorway. The re-opened rail link would be designed to serve key growing towns, including Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Navan and Kells. The plan also envisages the creation of a Unesco world heritage park, showcasing Meath's "unique and world-renowned heritage attractions", while implementing best practices in sustainable tourism. The park would stretch from Dunshaughlin to Navan and from Trim to the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge. Meath County Council said its own development plan, which supports the M3, remains unchanged. The independent plan is available at www.sacredireland org/meathmaster/index.html
Tim O'Brien
© 2007 The Irish Times
Freeze on rural housing?
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív has called for a freeze on all new housing developments in commuter-belt villages like Barna, Co Galway, until adequate infrastructure is in place.
The Minister made his call on the eve of a crucial Galway County Council debate today on Barna's draft local area plan.
Unless a plan can provide specific infrastructure, such as schools, sporting areas and sewerage facilities, it should be postponed until such time as it has these commitments, Mr Ó Cuív told The Irish Times.
He cites Co Meath as an example where developers must sign up to land transfer directly to schools and sports clubs in advance of any zoning and planning approval for housing.
"Specifics like these, which could be pinned down in a plan within eight weeks, could avoid eight years of heartache by communities which were promised facilities and never got them," said Mr Ó Cuív.
A community group, Pobal Bhearna, has urged Galway county councillors to resist pressure from developers to make alterations to the draft plan.
According to the group, such alterations could pave the way for more intensive sprawl in the former fishing harbour, which lies several miles west of Galway city.
A strategic environmental assessment prepared for Galway County Council by CAAS Environmental Services Ltd shows serious pollution in the Truskey river catchment which drains a "sizeable portion" of Barna lands.
The report finds the most likely cause of the pollution is the use of septic tanks for waste water by over 93 per cent of Barna's population.
Pobal Bhearna has also met Connemara councillors but fears that developers are putting pressure on councillors from other parts of the county to try and influence the final blueprint today.
Lorna Siggins
© 2007 The Irish Times 24.09.07
The Minister made his call on the eve of a crucial Galway County Council debate today on Barna's draft local area plan.
Unless a plan can provide specific infrastructure, such as schools, sporting areas and sewerage facilities, it should be postponed until such time as it has these commitments, Mr Ó Cuív told The Irish Times.
He cites Co Meath as an example where developers must sign up to land transfer directly to schools and sports clubs in advance of any zoning and planning approval for housing.
"Specifics like these, which could be pinned down in a plan within eight weeks, could avoid eight years of heartache by communities which were promised facilities and never got them," said Mr Ó Cuív.
A community group, Pobal Bhearna, has urged Galway county councillors to resist pressure from developers to make alterations to the draft plan.
According to the group, such alterations could pave the way for more intensive sprawl in the former fishing harbour, which lies several miles west of Galway city.
A strategic environmental assessment prepared for Galway County Council by CAAS Environmental Services Ltd shows serious pollution in the Truskey river catchment which drains a "sizeable portion" of Barna lands.
The report finds the most likely cause of the pollution is the use of septic tanks for waste water by over 93 per cent of Barna's population.
Pobal Bhearna has also met Connemara councillors but fears that developers are putting pressure on councillors from other parts of the county to try and influence the final blueprint today.
Lorna Siggins
© 2007 The Irish Times 24.09.07
It's rock and awe as Bono praises architect
BONO turned from superstar to fan yesterday as he lavished praise on a visiting Japanese architect.
The U2 frontman also revealed his optimism about the future of Irish architecture and praised developments taking place in Dublin, despite controversies about the character of some modern buildings, including the forthcoming "U2 Tower".
Tadao Ando, billed as "one of the world's greatest living architects" gave the largest ever public lecture in Ireland on building design yesterday.
Headliner
In rock and roll terms, he was the headliner who attracted a 3,000 strong crowd while Bono was the warm-up act.
The singer said that Ando (66) had found his own distinctive voice, "which is the hardest thing".
Bono added: "Tadao Ando didn't just find a voice, he found a language. Awe is a word to describe Ando's work -- he's simply awesome."
Bono has his own interests in this area, with the long anticipated "U2 Tower" on the southside promising an innovative corkscrew structure but also being described as a "monstrosity" by Ringsend Environmental Group.
Bono said, however, that economic growth was bringing "great buildings" to Ireland.
The singer added: "We're proud of our city. People in business and planning are taking steps -- baby steps -- taking the prosperity we're enjoying and leaving some great buildings for our kids."
Ando claims people can be highly influenced by architecture and that it can reflect local culture -- including its differences. Yesterday's event at the RDS was packed with people eager to hear from a man who has won virtually all of the major international architecture awards.
Ando titled his lecture "Creating Dreams" and drew on experiences of his previous jobs as a boxer and truck driver.
He says he learnt about architecture by going to see buildings across the world before designing landmarks like Osaka's famous Church of Light.
Irish Independent
The U2 frontman also revealed his optimism about the future of Irish architecture and praised developments taking place in Dublin, despite controversies about the character of some modern buildings, including the forthcoming "U2 Tower".
Tadao Ando, billed as "one of the world's greatest living architects" gave the largest ever public lecture in Ireland on building design yesterday.
Headliner
In rock and roll terms, he was the headliner who attracted a 3,000 strong crowd while Bono was the warm-up act.
The singer said that Ando (66) had found his own distinctive voice, "which is the hardest thing".
Bono added: "Tadao Ando didn't just find a voice, he found a language. Awe is a word to describe Ando's work -- he's simply awesome."
Bono has his own interests in this area, with the long anticipated "U2 Tower" on the southside promising an innovative corkscrew structure but also being described as a "monstrosity" by Ringsend Environmental Group.
Bono said, however, that economic growth was bringing "great buildings" to Ireland.
The singer added: "We're proud of our city. People in business and planning are taking steps -- baby steps -- taking the prosperity we're enjoying and leaving some great buildings for our kids."
Ando claims people can be highly influenced by architecture and that it can reflect local culture -- including its differences. Yesterday's event at the RDS was packed with people eager to hear from a man who has won virtually all of the major international architecture awards.
Ando titled his lecture "Creating Dreams" and drew on experiences of his previous jobs as a boxer and truck driver.
He says he learnt about architecture by going to see buildings across the world before designing landmarks like Osaka's famous Church of Light.
Irish Independent
New airport terminal 'could be full soon after it opens'
DUBLIN Airport may need a third terminal just two years after the second passenger facility comes on stream in 2010.
A new report, commissioned by businessman Ulick McEvaddy who wants to build a third terminal on land he owns to the west of the existing terminal, shows that up to 32 million people a year could be using the airport by 2012.
That could mean another terminal would be needed to avoid the huge queues which have dogged the airport for years.
The report analyses projected-traffic data provided by the Dublin Airport Authority and compares it with actual traffic through the airport. It warns that unless planning for the third terminal begins soon, the airport faces years of congestion and traffic chaos.
"This paper provides numerical evidence that the Government must, as a matter of urgency, begin the process to build a third terminal at Dublin Airport," it says. "Failure to do so will ensure that chaotic passenger and road congestion will continue well into the later years of the next decade."
An analysis of passenger numbers through the airport shows that numbers have been 'widely underestimated' for many years.
In 2004, the 'high-growth' scenario suggested that 16.6 million people would use the airport. The actual number was 17.138 million. The following year, the high-growth scenario said 17.5 million would use the facility, but 18.45 million people passed through the airport.
Last week, the Dublin Airport Authority revealed that 2.4 million people travelled through the airport in August -- an increase of 9pc on last year. The report notes that forecasts are 'significantly incapable' of allowing any party to 'strategically plan' for future capacity.
An Bord Pleanala, in its grant of planning permission for the second terminal known as T2, has put a cap of 32 million people using the facility. The report warns that unless passenger growth collapses, this cap will be reached between 2011-2013.
"In late 1995, Aer Rianta (now the Dublin Airport Authority) provided a written position on proposals for the development of a second commercial airport for Dublin. Speaking on passenger capacity, they declared that that forecast was to grow to 14 million by 2005 -- they underestimated by an amazing 4,450,439 passengers," it says.
"Some 10 years later -- 2005, it appears that the Authority's ability to forecast continues to be their 'Achilles heel' in that they will have underestimated the 2007 traffic by approximately 2.5 million passengers."
It continues that both Ryanair and Aer Lingus continue to pursue 'significant growth strategies', and that transatlantic airlines will be attracted to Dublin Airport due to congestion in other airports including Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle. A second runway, which has also been granted planning permission, will add to the attractiveness of the airport.
"Taking an upbeat terminal construction project completion augury of between 3 and 5 years will mean that if we are to avoid the mistakes of the past, we need to begin the project no later than the first quarter of 2008," it concludes.
But the Dublin Airport Authority said that while its forecasts had underestimated passenger growth in the past, there was no need for a third terminal until 'at least' 2014/2015.
"It's all a question of timing," a spokesperson said. "There's no dispute that Dublin Airport will need a third terminal.
"There has been a huge bubble of growth in Dublin, principally driven by Ryanair's decision to expand. The economy is slowing down, and the airlines are unlikely to expand.
"If passenger traffic were to grow by our higher forecasts, we expect to need a third terminal by 2014/2015. Lower forecasts would see it needed by 2018.
"There is no need to plan a third terminal until T2 is open in 2010."
Irish Independent
A new report, commissioned by businessman Ulick McEvaddy who wants to build a third terminal on land he owns to the west of the existing terminal, shows that up to 32 million people a year could be using the airport by 2012.
That could mean another terminal would be needed to avoid the huge queues which have dogged the airport for years.
The report analyses projected-traffic data provided by the Dublin Airport Authority and compares it with actual traffic through the airport. It warns that unless planning for the third terminal begins soon, the airport faces years of congestion and traffic chaos.
"This paper provides numerical evidence that the Government must, as a matter of urgency, begin the process to build a third terminal at Dublin Airport," it says. "Failure to do so will ensure that chaotic passenger and road congestion will continue well into the later years of the next decade."
An analysis of passenger numbers through the airport shows that numbers have been 'widely underestimated' for many years.
In 2004, the 'high-growth' scenario suggested that 16.6 million people would use the airport. The actual number was 17.138 million. The following year, the high-growth scenario said 17.5 million would use the facility, but 18.45 million people passed through the airport.
Last week, the Dublin Airport Authority revealed that 2.4 million people travelled through the airport in August -- an increase of 9pc on last year. The report notes that forecasts are 'significantly incapable' of allowing any party to 'strategically plan' for future capacity.
An Bord Pleanala, in its grant of planning permission for the second terminal known as T2, has put a cap of 32 million people using the facility. The report warns that unless passenger growth collapses, this cap will be reached between 2011-2013.
"In late 1995, Aer Rianta (now the Dublin Airport Authority) provided a written position on proposals for the development of a second commercial airport for Dublin. Speaking on passenger capacity, they declared that that forecast was to grow to 14 million by 2005 -- they underestimated by an amazing 4,450,439 passengers," it says.
"Some 10 years later -- 2005, it appears that the Authority's ability to forecast continues to be their 'Achilles heel' in that they will have underestimated the 2007 traffic by approximately 2.5 million passengers."
It continues that both Ryanair and Aer Lingus continue to pursue 'significant growth strategies', and that transatlantic airlines will be attracted to Dublin Airport due to congestion in other airports including Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle. A second runway, which has also been granted planning permission, will add to the attractiveness of the airport.
"Taking an upbeat terminal construction project completion augury of between 3 and 5 years will mean that if we are to avoid the mistakes of the past, we need to begin the project no later than the first quarter of 2008," it concludes.
But the Dublin Airport Authority said that while its forecasts had underestimated passenger growth in the past, there was no need for a third terminal until 'at least' 2014/2015.
"It's all a question of timing," a spokesperson said. "There's no dispute that Dublin Airport will need a third terminal.
"There has been a huge bubble of growth in Dublin, principally driven by Ryanair's decision to expand. The economy is slowing down, and the airlines are unlikely to expand.
"If passenger traffic were to grow by our higher forecasts, we expect to need a third terminal by 2014/2015. Lower forecasts would see it needed by 2018.
"There is no need to plan a third terminal until T2 is open in 2010."
Irish Independent
'Super hospital' faces delay over planning snag
PLANS to develop a "tri-location super hospital" in west Dublin have been rejected by the planning appeals board. And now developer Richard Farrington will have to go back to the drawing board if he wants to see his ambitious plans realised.
The Irish Independent has learned that An Bord Pleanala has told Mr Farrington to conduct a full assessment of the impact his hospital complex would have on the site at Corkagh, near the Naas Road.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) could take some months to prepare, and will delay plans to build the 219,000 sqm hospital complex which would include a nine storey 220-bed maternity hospital, 12-storey 450-bed children's hospital and nine storey adult hospital.
Rejected
The super hospital complex plan also includes facilities for diagnostic imaging technology and for clinical waste handling. Outline planning permission -- seeking a determination if the site was suitable for a hospital complex -- was sought from South Dublin County Council last January.
The council rejected the plans in May, but the decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala.
It is understood the board wrote to Mr Farrington in recent days to say an EIA was required. A planning application will now have to be re-lodged with South Dublin County Council.
Last night, Mr Farrington said he had already spent €1m preparing his plan, and the EIA would cost him "a lot of money".
"This is a technicality," he said. "We went through the local planners and they didn't make an issue of this.
"We were seeing if in theory, a hospital could get planning permission on the site. We've already done most of the work, and I think this is a bit severe. "This just delays it, but I would take it as a positive because it wasn't refused,'' he added.
Sunday Independent
The Irish Independent has learned that An Bord Pleanala has told Mr Farrington to conduct a full assessment of the impact his hospital complex would have on the site at Corkagh, near the Naas Road.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) could take some months to prepare, and will delay plans to build the 219,000 sqm hospital complex which would include a nine storey 220-bed maternity hospital, 12-storey 450-bed children's hospital and nine storey adult hospital.
Rejected
The super hospital complex plan also includes facilities for diagnostic imaging technology and for clinical waste handling. Outline planning permission -- seeking a determination if the site was suitable for a hospital complex -- was sought from South Dublin County Council last January.
The council rejected the plans in May, but the decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala.
It is understood the board wrote to Mr Farrington in recent days to say an EIA was required. A planning application will now have to be re-lodged with South Dublin County Council.
Last night, Mr Farrington said he had already spent €1m preparing his plan, and the EIA would cost him "a lot of money".
"This is a technicality," he said. "We went through the local planners and they didn't make an issue of this.
"We were seeing if in theory, a hospital could get planning permission on the site. We've already done most of the work, and I think this is a bit severe. "This just delays it, but I would take it as a positive because it wasn't refused,'' he added.
Sunday Independent
Entrepreneur who left school at 13 toasts his €55m arena dream
As thousands of students prepare to go to third-level college, a young businessman who left shcool at 13 has been toasting his latest development, a €55m arena near the border which he hopes will lure acts like The Killers and Justine Timberlake.
Although a stone has yet to be laid on the new site, 32-year-old Philip Kirk -- who is known to friends as "Captain" because he is one of the elite Irish businessmen who travel by helicopter -- has already booked Michael Flatley for the late 2009 opening of his Newgrange-inspired arena, which will have seating capacity for over 9,000 people.
The scheme, outside Dundalk, Co Louth, will also feature a range of bars, restaurants and cafes, together with an international school of music. Additionally, almost 500 houses are to be built, and his existing hotel is to be extended and upgraded, from three star to four.
"I'm so bloody excited," says Philip. "The concert promoters are clamouring already."
Kirk, who left school at 13 because he "was never much good with the book", says people often ask how he achieved success so fast.
"Sometimes I wonder myself," he replies. "But when you're young, nothing's a problem."
"I was only 11 when my father died," Philip recalls, "and I left school two years afterwards. There was no money, not a cent, and a big family to be reared. The land was there, of course, and everyone was telling my mother to sell it. But she held on."
Looking for a way out of farming and to make money, he turned the family farm into what is now Carnbeg Golf Course, near Dundalk. With the economy coming out of the doldrums he decided to "go for broke" and added a hotel, nightclub, leisure complex, pool, conference rooms, lounge, bar, restaurant and six football pitches.
An ambitious plan indeed for a young fellow who, by his own admission, was doing it all, literally, on a wing and a prayer.
Because it was at this point that Philip also set about realising his long-held dream of learning how to fly.
"I was always mad on helicopters," he reveals. "They used to give me fierce slagging about it at home. Captain Kirk they'd call me."
Now with the stamp of approval on his most ambitious dream to date, is an upgrade in order? A private jet, perhaps?
He chuckles and polishes off his coffee. "Watch this space," he replies.
Sunday Independent
Although a stone has yet to be laid on the new site, 32-year-old Philip Kirk -- who is known to friends as "Captain" because he is one of the elite Irish businessmen who travel by helicopter -- has already booked Michael Flatley for the late 2009 opening of his Newgrange-inspired arena, which will have seating capacity for over 9,000 people.
The scheme, outside Dundalk, Co Louth, will also feature a range of bars, restaurants and cafes, together with an international school of music. Additionally, almost 500 houses are to be built, and his existing hotel is to be extended and upgraded, from three star to four.
"I'm so bloody excited," says Philip. "The concert promoters are clamouring already."
Kirk, who left school at 13 because he "was never much good with the book", says people often ask how he achieved success so fast.
"Sometimes I wonder myself," he replies. "But when you're young, nothing's a problem."
"I was only 11 when my father died," Philip recalls, "and I left school two years afterwards. There was no money, not a cent, and a big family to be reared. The land was there, of course, and everyone was telling my mother to sell it. But she held on."
Looking for a way out of farming and to make money, he turned the family farm into what is now Carnbeg Golf Course, near Dundalk. With the economy coming out of the doldrums he decided to "go for broke" and added a hotel, nightclub, leisure complex, pool, conference rooms, lounge, bar, restaurant and six football pitches.
An ambitious plan indeed for a young fellow who, by his own admission, was doing it all, literally, on a wing and a prayer.
Because it was at this point that Philip also set about realising his long-held dream of learning how to fly.
"I was always mad on helicopters," he reveals. "They used to give me fierce slagging about it at home. Captain Kirk they'd call me."
Now with the stamp of approval on his most ambitious dream to date, is an upgrade in order? A private jet, perhaps?
He chuckles and polishes off his coffee. "Watch this space," he replies.
Sunday Independent
Monopoly feared in waste war
A number of Dublin's private waste management companies have accused Dublin City Council of attempting to push them out of the market so it can fulfil a multi-million euro agreement to supply waste paper for a planned incinerator.
Dublin City Council -- which entered into a deal to provide 320,000 tonnes of waste per year to the proposed incineration plant in Poolbeg, Co Dublin -- is planning to make changes to the area's waste management plan which would see the council gaining greater control over the final destination of Dublin's waste.
Now private waste collectors Panda, Greenstar and City Bin have attributed the proposal to a deal between the four Dublin councils and the incinerator company. They say they are ready to take legal action if Dublin City Council goes ahead with the proposed modifications.
Eamon Waters, managing director of the Panda waste collection service, says the council wants to "wipe out" competition and they have threatened to go to the European Court if the council proceeds with its plans.
"[The council are] doing it purely for the incineration plant. They have committed a certain amount of tonnes to incineration and if the private sector take the waste off them, they won't have the waste to go there."
Steve Cowman, chief executive of Greenstar, also maintains that the new proposals will lead to a monopoly.
"The Department of Environment in their green paper last year highlighted the fact that there was an issue where the local authorities competed in the waste business and regulated that business. So they're basically trying to use their powers to effectively monopolise the market."
Niall Killilea, managing director of the City Bin Co, has labelled the recent proposals a "fiasco".
"The proposal to change the Dublin Waste Management Plan . . . could lead to the crazy scenario where the council itself is tendering for the collection contract and are, at the same time, the people who decide who wins it."
However, Dublin City Council claims that a free-for-all is emerging in the Dublin Household Waste Collection market which puts at serious risk the attainment of the ambitious targets for the reduction, re-use and recycling in the Dublin Waste Plan.
Irish Independent
Dublin City Council -- which entered into a deal to provide 320,000 tonnes of waste per year to the proposed incineration plant in Poolbeg, Co Dublin -- is planning to make changes to the area's waste management plan which would see the council gaining greater control over the final destination of Dublin's waste.
Now private waste collectors Panda, Greenstar and City Bin have attributed the proposal to a deal between the four Dublin councils and the incinerator company. They say they are ready to take legal action if Dublin City Council goes ahead with the proposed modifications.
Eamon Waters, managing director of the Panda waste collection service, says the council wants to "wipe out" competition and they have threatened to go to the European Court if the council proceeds with its plans.
"[The council are] doing it purely for the incineration plant. They have committed a certain amount of tonnes to incineration and if the private sector take the waste off them, they won't have the waste to go there."
Steve Cowman, chief executive of Greenstar, also maintains that the new proposals will lead to a monopoly.
"The Department of Environment in their green paper last year highlighted the fact that there was an issue where the local authorities competed in the waste business and regulated that business. So they're basically trying to use their powers to effectively monopolise the market."
Niall Killilea, managing director of the City Bin Co, has labelled the recent proposals a "fiasco".
"The proposal to change the Dublin Waste Management Plan . . . could lead to the crazy scenario where the council itself is tendering for the collection contract and are, at the same time, the people who decide who wins it."
However, Dublin City Council claims that a free-for-all is emerging in the Dublin Household Waste Collection market which puts at serious risk the attainment of the ambitious targets for the reduction, re-use and recycling in the Dublin Waste Plan.
Irish Independent
Stars pull strings to try to protect historic Tara
IT'S a long way from Tinseltown to the Hill of Tara but Hollywood star Stuart Townsend was one of the first to make the journey when he heard his ancestral homeland was under threat.
His famous girlfriend Charlize Theron was too busy filming to travel, but that did not stop him sacrificing his time to help protect the site of the druids.
The heartthrob from Howth aligned his body with thousands of others yesterday to make up a string in the world's first human harp on the famous Meath mound.
Over 3,000 people posed for an unprecedented aerial shot at the ancient site in protest at plans to site the M3 motorway nearby.
Townsend had a guiding hand in the proceedings and even brought in a pal to snap the spectacular formation from a helicopter, but laughed at suggestions that he is becoming the Bono of the environmental world.
It was a thrilling, if bizarre, moment for more than a few fans to find themselves side by side with Charlize Theron's boyfriend to form the shape of the traditional instrument.
They were in for another A-list surprise when the not unpleasant shape of actor and Hugo Boss 'face' Jonathan Rhys Meyers also appeared on the sacred ground. The actor, who has more recently been travelling through time to the era of the Tudors for a TV series, was able to put the authoritarian skills he developed as Henry VIII to good use as he roused the Tara campaigners.
Addressing the crowd, he said it was not just the motorway that was horrible, but the subsequent development it would bring.
The actor, who was born in Cork and brought up in Dublin, said he appreciated the untouched landscape that remained in Ireland far more since he moved to the US.
He said he would like his grandchildren to be able to feel the same way.
Harps or no harps, Townsend also showed that acting was not the only string in his bow.
He is exhausted after directing a film about another, very different, protest at the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference of 1999.
The actor will finally getting a complete break next week when he heads down the country for a holiday.
"I haven't been home for a while and want to see some friends," he said. "Charlize is working. She wants to be here, but is overworked.
"I am exhausted from the filming process. I went to the Toronto Film Festival and was involved with marketing the movie."
He revealed that -- despite rumours -- himself and Charlize have not tied the knot.
"We didn't get married," he said. "Every week someone says we are or that we're splitting up.
"We're married in our hearts and have been together for seven years and have dogs, live in a house, and plan to have children. We don't need the Church or the state."
Despite his opposition to the motorway, he was compassionate about the predicament faced by the new Green Environment Minister and invited John Gormley to meet him to discuss an alternative plan for Tara.
"I'm sure he's a good guy and will try to do his best but in a way his hands are tied behind his back," he said. "His party does not have many seats and that probably curtails his power.
"Politics is politics and who knows what pressure John Gormley's under. I really hope he considers the Tarawatch plan and there is a breakthrough."
Irish Independent
His famous girlfriend Charlize Theron was too busy filming to travel, but that did not stop him sacrificing his time to help protect the site of the druids.
The heartthrob from Howth aligned his body with thousands of others yesterday to make up a string in the world's first human harp on the famous Meath mound.
Over 3,000 people posed for an unprecedented aerial shot at the ancient site in protest at plans to site the M3 motorway nearby.
Townsend had a guiding hand in the proceedings and even brought in a pal to snap the spectacular formation from a helicopter, but laughed at suggestions that he is becoming the Bono of the environmental world.
It was a thrilling, if bizarre, moment for more than a few fans to find themselves side by side with Charlize Theron's boyfriend to form the shape of the traditional instrument.
They were in for another A-list surprise when the not unpleasant shape of actor and Hugo Boss 'face' Jonathan Rhys Meyers also appeared on the sacred ground. The actor, who has more recently been travelling through time to the era of the Tudors for a TV series, was able to put the authoritarian skills he developed as Henry VIII to good use as he roused the Tara campaigners.
Addressing the crowd, he said it was not just the motorway that was horrible, but the subsequent development it would bring.
The actor, who was born in Cork and brought up in Dublin, said he appreciated the untouched landscape that remained in Ireland far more since he moved to the US.
He said he would like his grandchildren to be able to feel the same way.
Harps or no harps, Townsend also showed that acting was not the only string in his bow.
He is exhausted after directing a film about another, very different, protest at the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference of 1999.
The actor will finally getting a complete break next week when he heads down the country for a holiday.
"I haven't been home for a while and want to see some friends," he said. "Charlize is working. She wants to be here, but is overworked.
"I am exhausted from the filming process. I went to the Toronto Film Festival and was involved with marketing the movie."
He revealed that -- despite rumours -- himself and Charlize have not tied the knot.
"We didn't get married," he said. "Every week someone says we are or that we're splitting up.
"We're married in our hearts and have been together for seven years and have dogs, live in a house, and plan to have children. We don't need the Church or the state."
Despite his opposition to the motorway, he was compassionate about the predicament faced by the new Green Environment Minister and invited John Gormley to meet him to discuss an alternative plan for Tara.
"I'm sure he's a good guy and will try to do his best but in a way his hands are tied behind his back," he said. "His party does not have many seats and that probably curtails his power.
"Politics is politics and who knows what pressure John Gormley's under. I really hope he considers the Tarawatch plan and there is a breakthrough."
Irish Independent
O'Malley at centre of garda planning probe
A PLANNING application in the name of Progressive Democrats senator Fiona O'Malley and another woman is at the centre of a garda investigation.
The gardai were called in after a letter purporting to come from a priest in support of the application turned out to have been written by Ms O'Malley's partner in the project.
In a statement yesterday, Ms O'Malley said she was completely unaware of the letter and had no involvement in its preparation or inclusion with the planning application. Ms O'Malley stressed that in recent years she has had little or no involvement in the day-to-day running of the project.
Permission for the development of an arts centre in north-west Connemara was sought from Galway Co Council last April. The application was in the names of Mari Saville and Fiona O'Malley. Both women are directors of the partially completed Ellis Tate Centre for the Arts which is being established alongside the old Letterfrack Industrial School and adjacent to the local Catholic church.
The permission sought is for permanent retention and completion of three new two-storey studios, toilets, foyer, café and library, as well as an extension to an existing theatre/exhibition building. In order to satisfy planning requirements, it emerged car parking spaces would have to be made available and agreement would have to be reached with the local church authorities to avail of up to nine of their parking spaces.
A letter in support of the application was received by the planning department of Galway Co Council on April 10. A copy of the letter was obtained by Nuacht TG4 and details were broadcast over the weekend.
The address on the letter states that it came from the Parochial House, St Joseph's Church, Letterfrack, and it was signed John O'Gorman PP -- Fr John O'Gorman was the parish priest in Letterfrack at the time.
The letter referred to the planning application being made by Ms Saville and Ms O'Malley and pointed out that 30 car parking spaces were available at the church.
"I now confirm that this car park will be made available to Ms Saville and Ms O'Malley for the parking of not more than nine cars during weekdays and at times when the buildings referred to in the planning permission will be in use, on the assumption that Galway County Council will grant planning permission for this particular development. I trust this arrangement will be acceptable to the Galway County Council as part of a planning permission," said the letter.
It is understood that the letter was referred to gardai in Clifden for investigation after it was brought to the attention of Fr O'Gorman. A garda spokesman confirmed an investigation was being carried out.
Ms Saville has now admitted she wrote the letter and had simply signed it on behalf of Fr O'Gorman and had indicated this by using the notation, pp or per pro. She insists that she did so only after getting Fr O'Gorman's complete agreement to allow the nine spaces to be used.
Agreement
Ms Saville claimed there was "mischief-making and troublemaking locally" about the matter.
Fr O'Gorman declined to comment. He has since left Letterfrack and is now attached to a parish in east Galway.
Ms Saville confirmed that a detective had interviewed her about the matter, but had "accepted" her version of events. She said she had gone to Fr O'Gorman and apologised.
In a statement yesterday, Ms O'Malley confirmed that about 10 years ago she became one of the directors of a company trying to develop an arts centre in Letterfrack.
"For some time I was actively involved in trying to move the project forward, but for the last number of years, I have had little or no involvement in the day-to-day running of the scheme," she said.
"In April of this year, a fresh planning application related to the project was lodged to Galway Co Council without my involvement. I am also advised that as part of the application, a letter was submitted referring to the attitude of Fr John O'Gorman to the project. I was completely unaware of this."
The Ellis Tate Centre for the Arts in Connemara is partially funded by the American Ireland Fund. The fund is an international charitable organisation which has contributed over $300m for worthy causes here.
Irish Independent
The gardai were called in after a letter purporting to come from a priest in support of the application turned out to have been written by Ms O'Malley's partner in the project.
In a statement yesterday, Ms O'Malley said she was completely unaware of the letter and had no involvement in its preparation or inclusion with the planning application. Ms O'Malley stressed that in recent years she has had little or no involvement in the day-to-day running of the project.
Permission for the development of an arts centre in north-west Connemara was sought from Galway Co Council last April. The application was in the names of Mari Saville and Fiona O'Malley. Both women are directors of the partially completed Ellis Tate Centre for the Arts which is being established alongside the old Letterfrack Industrial School and adjacent to the local Catholic church.
The permission sought is for permanent retention and completion of three new two-storey studios, toilets, foyer, café and library, as well as an extension to an existing theatre/exhibition building. In order to satisfy planning requirements, it emerged car parking spaces would have to be made available and agreement would have to be reached with the local church authorities to avail of up to nine of their parking spaces.
A letter in support of the application was received by the planning department of Galway Co Council on April 10. A copy of the letter was obtained by Nuacht TG4 and details were broadcast over the weekend.
The address on the letter states that it came from the Parochial House, St Joseph's Church, Letterfrack, and it was signed John O'Gorman PP -- Fr John O'Gorman was the parish priest in Letterfrack at the time.
The letter referred to the planning application being made by Ms Saville and Ms O'Malley and pointed out that 30 car parking spaces were available at the church.
"I now confirm that this car park will be made available to Ms Saville and Ms O'Malley for the parking of not more than nine cars during weekdays and at times when the buildings referred to in the planning permission will be in use, on the assumption that Galway County Council will grant planning permission for this particular development. I trust this arrangement will be acceptable to the Galway County Council as part of a planning permission," said the letter.
It is understood that the letter was referred to gardai in Clifden for investigation after it was brought to the attention of Fr O'Gorman. A garda spokesman confirmed an investigation was being carried out.
Ms Saville has now admitted she wrote the letter and had simply signed it on behalf of Fr O'Gorman and had indicated this by using the notation, pp or per pro. She insists that she did so only after getting Fr O'Gorman's complete agreement to allow the nine spaces to be used.
Agreement
Ms Saville claimed there was "mischief-making and troublemaking locally" about the matter.
Fr O'Gorman declined to comment. He has since left Letterfrack and is now attached to a parish in east Galway.
Ms Saville confirmed that a detective had interviewed her about the matter, but had "accepted" her version of events. She said she had gone to Fr O'Gorman and apologised.
In a statement yesterday, Ms O'Malley confirmed that about 10 years ago she became one of the directors of a company trying to develop an arts centre in Letterfrack.
"For some time I was actively involved in trying to move the project forward, but for the last number of years, I have had little or no involvement in the day-to-day running of the scheme," she said.
"In April of this year, a fresh planning application related to the project was lodged to Galway Co Council without my involvement. I am also advised that as part of the application, a letter was submitted referring to the attitude of Fr John O'Gorman to the project. I was completely unaware of this."
The Ellis Tate Centre for the Arts in Connemara is partially funded by the American Ireland Fund. The fund is an international charitable organisation which has contributed over $300m for worthy causes here.
Irish Independent
Green 'eco' plan adds €15,000 to house cost
THE Greens yesterday unveiled their first major initiative in Government -- but it will cost buyers of new homes next year an extra €15,000.
Under a new energy plan, all new houses and apartments built from next July, will have to use solar panels or wood pellet stoves.
It is part of a drive to cut carbon dioxide levels by 40pc.
The measure represents the party's first major impact on government policy.
But last night it ran into serious difficulty with builders and opposition politicians.
The regulations will pose a major headache for the building industry. Tens of thousands of homes, which will now be governed by the new measures, have already been granted planning permission. That means architects may have to revisit plans to make sure they meet the new requirements.
Green Party leader John Gormley insisted the moves were "good for the environment and good for the consumer" and that there was "broad agreement" across the construction sector for the initiative.
Construction chiefs, however, warned that they could not possibly meet the new requirements within the timeframe laid down by the Government.
A spokesman for Construction Industry Federation (CIF) chief Tom Parlon -- a former PD junior minister -- told the Irish Independent: "We don't have the technical capacity to do this."
The Greens also came under political fire over the costly new measures.
Fine Gael accused the smaller government party of hypocrisy, saying the new regulations came just one week after the party opted to cut the Greener Homes scheme.
"Instead of slashing grants to existing householders who wish to reduce energy usage, funding should have been increased," Fine Gael's new party environment spokesman Phil Hogan said.
It is estimated the new energy-efficient measures will add an average of €15,000 to the price of new homes from next July. However, the Greens claim houses and apartments will be cheaper to run.
The regulations announced at the Green Party think-in in Co Wicklow yesterday provide for a radical improvement in energy-efficiency standards.
They include a minimum renewable energy requirement in all new homes; while solar heating systems or biomass systems, such as wood pellet, will have to be used.
A certain amount of lighting in the home will have to be energy efficient, while 'greener' and more efficient heating systems must also be installed.
Houses will be tested for 'air tightness' to ensure they are not leaking heat excessively. New buildings will also be 'future-proofed' to allow them to be upgraded to higher energy and CO2 standards.
Praised
Mr Gormley praised officials for fast-tracking the new regulations, despite the industry's belief it would not be able to adapt so quickly.
"The draft regulations which I have published today will change forever the way we deal with the housing stock under the building code," he said.
"These regulations are the first step in the process of achieving carbon zero housing.
"The benefitin savings on energy costs, as we face into an uncertain future with regard to carbon-based fuel costs, will be a benefit to homeowners.
"It will also make a significant contribution to Ireland's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas levels."
Natural Resources Minister Eamon Ryan added that more than 6,000 houses with a 40pc improvement in energy efficiency had been constructed under the Houses of Tomorrow scheme.
"This shows the demand that exists and how regulation is the next logical step," he added.
The measures apply to all planning permissions granted for housing after July 1. But all homes which have not been "substantially completed" by July 2009 will have to include the new measures.
Irish Independent
Under a new energy plan, all new houses and apartments built from next July, will have to use solar panels or wood pellet stoves.
It is part of a drive to cut carbon dioxide levels by 40pc.
The measure represents the party's first major impact on government policy.
But last night it ran into serious difficulty with builders and opposition politicians.
The regulations will pose a major headache for the building industry. Tens of thousands of homes, which will now be governed by the new measures, have already been granted planning permission. That means architects may have to revisit plans to make sure they meet the new requirements.
Green Party leader John Gormley insisted the moves were "good for the environment and good for the consumer" and that there was "broad agreement" across the construction sector for the initiative.
Construction chiefs, however, warned that they could not possibly meet the new requirements within the timeframe laid down by the Government.
A spokesman for Construction Industry Federation (CIF) chief Tom Parlon -- a former PD junior minister -- told the Irish Independent: "We don't have the technical capacity to do this."
The Greens also came under political fire over the costly new measures.
Fine Gael accused the smaller government party of hypocrisy, saying the new regulations came just one week after the party opted to cut the Greener Homes scheme.
"Instead of slashing grants to existing householders who wish to reduce energy usage, funding should have been increased," Fine Gael's new party environment spokesman Phil Hogan said.
It is estimated the new energy-efficient measures will add an average of €15,000 to the price of new homes from next July. However, the Greens claim houses and apartments will be cheaper to run.
The regulations announced at the Green Party think-in in Co Wicklow yesterday provide for a radical improvement in energy-efficiency standards.
They include a minimum renewable energy requirement in all new homes; while solar heating systems or biomass systems, such as wood pellet, will have to be used.
A certain amount of lighting in the home will have to be energy efficient, while 'greener' and more efficient heating systems must also be installed.
Houses will be tested for 'air tightness' to ensure they are not leaking heat excessively. New buildings will also be 'future-proofed' to allow them to be upgraded to higher energy and CO2 standards.
Praised
Mr Gormley praised officials for fast-tracking the new regulations, despite the industry's belief it would not be able to adapt so quickly.
"The draft regulations which I have published today will change forever the way we deal with the housing stock under the building code," he said.
"These regulations are the first step in the process of achieving carbon zero housing.
"The benefitin savings on energy costs, as we face into an uncertain future with regard to carbon-based fuel costs, will be a benefit to homeowners.
"It will also make a significant contribution to Ireland's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas levels."
Natural Resources Minister Eamon Ryan added that more than 6,000 houses with a 40pc improvement in energy efficiency had been constructed under the Houses of Tomorrow scheme.
"This shows the demand that exists and how regulation is the next logical step," he added.
The measures apply to all planning permissions granted for housing after July 1. But all homes which have not been "substantially completed" by July 2009 will have to include the new measures.
Irish Independent
Residents outraged as plans approved for 800 homes
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build over 800 homes on Dun Laoghaire Golf Club have been approved.
Yesterday the local council gave the go-ahead to Cosgrave Developments to build 856 residential units subject to 64 conditions, despite objections from almost 450 local people.
But the decision will be referred to An Bord Pleanala, and the Combined Residents to Save Open Spaces (CRSOS) group has pledged to seek a judicial review of the decision if its appeal is unsuccessful.
Chairman Gene Feighery described the decision as "appalling", saying there wasn't enough open space in the development and that a town the size of Fermoy was being 'parachuted' into the south Dublin suburb.
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council confirmed yesterday that just eight houses were omitted from the development, and that 438 parties had objected.
Cosgrave Developments acquired the 78-acre site in a deal which saw the golf club relocate to Ballyman, near Enniskerry. The club was paid a reported €20m to relocate, and the deal also included a 27-hole course and new clubhouse.
But the move has infuriated some locals, who believe the course should have been retained as a green belt for Dun Laoghaire. Cosgrave Developments plan to build over 1,700 new homes in total, and the permission granted is for the first phase of development.
The plans include provision of a supermarket, seven shops, cafe/restaurant and offices. The developers will have to upgrade the local road network, and plan on building a lake in the middle of the development.
Two pieces of public art will also be included in the scheme, and the developers will be obliged to pay almost €14m to the local council to cover the cost of providing water, parks and upgrading the Sallynoggin/Glenageary roundabout.
Last June, local councillors instructed Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to prepare a local area plan for the site, but council management said the planning application could not be deferred until the local area plan was in place as the company was entitled to have its application considered within a statutory time limit.
Chairman of the CRSOS, Gene Feighery, said Cosgrave Developments had "split" the project into two halves, which was not allowed.
"I'm appalled," she said. "It's a disaster for Dun Laoghaire. The level of density is too much, and there are major traffic and safety implications. We see this as project splitting and the council linked the two phases of development by inquiring about public transport links and access to Dun Laoghaire village.
Cosgrave Developments were not available for comment.
Irish Independent
Yesterday the local council gave the go-ahead to Cosgrave Developments to build 856 residential units subject to 64 conditions, despite objections from almost 450 local people.
But the decision will be referred to An Bord Pleanala, and the Combined Residents to Save Open Spaces (CRSOS) group has pledged to seek a judicial review of the decision if its appeal is unsuccessful.
Chairman Gene Feighery described the decision as "appalling", saying there wasn't enough open space in the development and that a town the size of Fermoy was being 'parachuted' into the south Dublin suburb.
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council confirmed yesterday that just eight houses were omitted from the development, and that 438 parties had objected.
Cosgrave Developments acquired the 78-acre site in a deal which saw the golf club relocate to Ballyman, near Enniskerry. The club was paid a reported €20m to relocate, and the deal also included a 27-hole course and new clubhouse.
But the move has infuriated some locals, who believe the course should have been retained as a green belt for Dun Laoghaire. Cosgrave Developments plan to build over 1,700 new homes in total, and the permission granted is for the first phase of development.
The plans include provision of a supermarket, seven shops, cafe/restaurant and offices. The developers will have to upgrade the local road network, and plan on building a lake in the middle of the development.
Two pieces of public art will also be included in the scheme, and the developers will be obliged to pay almost €14m to the local council to cover the cost of providing water, parks and upgrading the Sallynoggin/Glenageary roundabout.
Last June, local councillors instructed Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to prepare a local area plan for the site, but council management said the planning application could not be deferred until the local area plan was in place as the company was entitled to have its application considered within a statutory time limit.
Chairman of the CRSOS, Gene Feighery, said Cosgrave Developments had "split" the project into two halves, which was not allowed.
"I'm appalled," she said. "It's a disaster for Dun Laoghaire. The level of density is too much, and there are major traffic and safety implications. We see this as project splitting and the council linked the two phases of development by inquiring about public transport links and access to Dun Laoghaire village.
Cosgrave Developments were not available for comment.
Irish Independent
Members to get €100,000 each in €80m city golf club buyout
MEMBERS of a top Dublin golf club are set for a personal €100,000 windfall as part of a buy-out offer by a major development company.
Capel Developments has offered to give €80m in cash alone to Clontarf golf club to buy its land. It has also offered to move the Clontarf members to Portmarnock Links golf course, which Capel owns.
Of the €80m figure, €60m will go directly to the estimated 600 voting members of the club, with €20m available for club funds if Clontarf moves to the 12-year-old Portmarnock course.
The property development company will also provide a 28,000 square foot, two-storey, fully equipped clubhouse at Portmarnock, a driving range, and a short game practice area and putting facilities.
In total, taking the cash and the value of the 147 acre Portmarnock Links course, which is estimated at €30m, the deal is worth over €110m to Clontarf.
The unique feature of the offer is the cash element aimed directly at the individual voting members of which Capel estimate there are 600.
Three other clubs in the Republic -- Bray, Dun Laoghaire and Douglas -- have done land swap deals with developers, but in each case, the members were not given a direct share of the money.
The tax implications will need to be ascertained by experts on behalf of Clontarf, but the members will hope they will only be liable for 20pc Capital Gains tax.
All of this is dependent on club members agreeing to leave the home they have occupied since 1912, and Dublin City Council rezoning the Clontarf Golf Club lands for building.
The course is set on around 73 acres in Marino, less than a mile from Dublin city centre, and includes a Bowling club.
Ironically, the Clontarf golf club only own around 10 acres of the site, with the other 63 acres on a long-term sporting lease from Dublin City Council.
Capel Developments is a leading property development company which bought Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links in 2005 for over €70m.
The company has since upgraded facilities at the Hotel which is currently for sale, and have spoken to a number of golf clubs including Clontarf and Forrest Little about a swap deal.
Their written offer to Clontarf ends a long period of speculation about the company's intentions regarding the Links golf course.
Capel Developments is owned by Dubliners John O'Connor and Eddie Keegan, and Liam Kelly from Laois.
John O'Connor is a member and past Captain of St Anne's Golf Club on the Bull Island.
Mr O'Connor commented last night: "I can confirm we have made an offer to Clontarf. It's with the club now and I can't expand on that at this time."
Clontarf Club officials had no comment to make.
Well-known members of the club include former Dublin Manager Kevin Heffernan, former Tipperary All-Ireland hurler Tony Wall, and Golfing Union of Ireland General Secretary Seamus Smith.
Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links opened in 1995. It originally cost IR£14m and was built by a partnership of International Management Group and a consortium including Columbia Investments.
The championship layout was designed by Ryder Cup star Bernhard Langer and is internationally renowned as a top quality course.
Irish Independent
Capel Developments has offered to give €80m in cash alone to Clontarf golf club to buy its land. It has also offered to move the Clontarf members to Portmarnock Links golf course, which Capel owns.
Of the €80m figure, €60m will go directly to the estimated 600 voting members of the club, with €20m available for club funds if Clontarf moves to the 12-year-old Portmarnock course.
The property development company will also provide a 28,000 square foot, two-storey, fully equipped clubhouse at Portmarnock, a driving range, and a short game practice area and putting facilities.
In total, taking the cash and the value of the 147 acre Portmarnock Links course, which is estimated at €30m, the deal is worth over €110m to Clontarf.
The unique feature of the offer is the cash element aimed directly at the individual voting members of which Capel estimate there are 600.
Three other clubs in the Republic -- Bray, Dun Laoghaire and Douglas -- have done land swap deals with developers, but in each case, the members were not given a direct share of the money.
The tax implications will need to be ascertained by experts on behalf of Clontarf, but the members will hope they will only be liable for 20pc Capital Gains tax.
All of this is dependent on club members agreeing to leave the home they have occupied since 1912, and Dublin City Council rezoning the Clontarf Golf Club lands for building.
The course is set on around 73 acres in Marino, less than a mile from Dublin city centre, and includes a Bowling club.
Ironically, the Clontarf golf club only own around 10 acres of the site, with the other 63 acres on a long-term sporting lease from Dublin City Council.
Capel Developments is a leading property development company which bought Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links in 2005 for over €70m.
The company has since upgraded facilities at the Hotel which is currently for sale, and have spoken to a number of golf clubs including Clontarf and Forrest Little about a swap deal.
Their written offer to Clontarf ends a long period of speculation about the company's intentions regarding the Links golf course.
Capel Developments is owned by Dubliners John O'Connor and Eddie Keegan, and Liam Kelly from Laois.
John O'Connor is a member and past Captain of St Anne's Golf Club on the Bull Island.
Mr O'Connor commented last night: "I can confirm we have made an offer to Clontarf. It's with the club now and I can't expand on that at this time."
Clontarf Club officials had no comment to make.
Well-known members of the club include former Dublin Manager Kevin Heffernan, former Tipperary All-Ireland hurler Tony Wall, and Golfing Union of Ireland General Secretary Seamus Smith.
Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links opened in 1995. It originally cost IR£14m and was built by a partnership of International Management Group and a consortium including Columbia Investments.
The championship layout was designed by Ryder Cup star Bernhard Langer and is internationally renowned as a top quality course.
Irish Independent
Architect exposed on TV admits charges
A FORMER architect whose business was wiped out after he was featured in a television expose yesterday pleaded guilty to allowing dangerous buildings to be used as a hostel for 170 people, including children.
David Grant has had two-and-a-half years to rectify serious fire safety defects in the 250-year-old Georgian buildings at 7-10 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin District Court heard. They are let out in 44 units to 170 people and bring in €30,000 a month in rental income.
Mr Grant (56), Haddington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, is to be given a few more weeks to carry out works to make the buildings safe. These include replacing inadequate fire doors, inadequate emergency lighting and providing proper waste storage.
After viewing pictures of bunk-bed style accommodation, in which at least two children sleep, Judge Anthony J Halpin said he did not want to "put anyone out on the road" by closing down the hostel, but Mr Grant would have to get to work quickly on rectifying the defects.
Mr Grant was featured in a 2005 RTE 'Prime Time' programme which showed how he had set himself up as an architect without formal qualifications and sought planning permissions for hundreds of 'side-garden' homes in Dublin.
Up to two-thirds of his applications to one local authority were rejected -- three times higher than the average. Technical defects, such as one in which a house was too big for the piece of land involved, were among the reasons why they were turned down.
Also in 2005, Mr Grant was fined for altering his deceased father's driving licence after he was stopped for drink driving, an offence, his second in a year, for which he narrowly escaped a jail term.
Yesterday, his solicitor Cahir O'Higgins, said the 'Prime Time' programme had resulted in him "losing his business" after he was subjected to "a phenomenal" amount of media attention.
As a result, his attention to the Gardiner Street buildings was distracted for some time.
"He is getting his financial affairs in order but he is not a wealthy man," Mr O'Higgins said. Some of the outstanding defects in the hostel had been dealt with, including the storage of waste. He had engaged an electrical contractor and an architect to deal with others.
Judge Halpin said he was prepared to give him another four weeks to make significant progress as he had already had more than enough time. He adjourned the case for two weeks for mention to see how he is doing.
Irish Independent
David Grant has had two-and-a-half years to rectify serious fire safety defects in the 250-year-old Georgian buildings at 7-10 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin District Court heard. They are let out in 44 units to 170 people and bring in €30,000 a month in rental income.
Mr Grant (56), Haddington Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, is to be given a few more weeks to carry out works to make the buildings safe. These include replacing inadequate fire doors, inadequate emergency lighting and providing proper waste storage.
After viewing pictures of bunk-bed style accommodation, in which at least two children sleep, Judge Anthony J Halpin said he did not want to "put anyone out on the road" by closing down the hostel, but Mr Grant would have to get to work quickly on rectifying the defects.
Mr Grant was featured in a 2005 RTE 'Prime Time' programme which showed how he had set himself up as an architect without formal qualifications and sought planning permissions for hundreds of 'side-garden' homes in Dublin.
Up to two-thirds of his applications to one local authority were rejected -- three times higher than the average. Technical defects, such as one in which a house was too big for the piece of land involved, were among the reasons why they were turned down.
Also in 2005, Mr Grant was fined for altering his deceased father's driving licence after he was stopped for drink driving, an offence, his second in a year, for which he narrowly escaped a jail term.
Yesterday, his solicitor Cahir O'Higgins, said the 'Prime Time' programme had resulted in him "losing his business" after he was subjected to "a phenomenal" amount of media attention.
As a result, his attention to the Gardiner Street buildings was distracted for some time.
"He is getting his financial affairs in order but he is not a wealthy man," Mr O'Higgins said. Some of the outstanding defects in the hostel had been dealt with, including the storage of waste. He had engaged an electrical contractor and an architect to deal with others.
Judge Halpin said he was prepared to give him another four weeks to make significant progress as he had already had more than enough time. He adjourned the case for two weeks for mention to see how he is doing.
Irish Independent
'Let me flatten €35m home'
BILLIONAIRE businessman Denis O'Brien has gone to An Bord Pleanala in his bid to demolish the exclusive Ballsbridge home he bought last year for €35m, the second highest price ever for a house in Dublin.
After being refused permission by Dublin City Council, Mr O'Brien has now applied to An Bord Pleanala for permission to level the Tudor-style property, Belmont, built in 1904.
It boasts an indoor swimming pool, seven bedrooms, sauna and steam room and a putting green on two-thirds of an acre.
Mr O'Brien wants to replace it with a new detached house, keeping the existing line of the building but extending the living space into the basement as well as into an annex.
Dublin City Council refused permission on the grounds that the scale, form and design of the existing house "contributes to the character and identify of the streetcape on Shrewsbury Road".
The council also said the proposal would conflict with the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 to protect and improve the amenities of residential conservation areas.
Refusing Mr O'Brien permission, the council said the development would "set an undesirable precedent for similar development which would cumulatively undermine the character of a conservation area".
He has now appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanala.
A submission on his behalf to the board says the proposed new house is of a high qualiy of architectural design and materials, and reuses many elements and materials conserved from the existing house.
Negative
Mr O'Brien says that the new house will have no negative impact on the character, architectural quality or residential amenity and is also fully compatible with the city development plan.
His 'A-list' neighbours include developer Sean Dunne.
Mr O'Brien already has a several valuable properties in the capital. In 2000 he paid an estimated €9m for a large detached house, also located in Dublin 4.
Irish Independent
After being refused permission by Dublin City Council, Mr O'Brien has now applied to An Bord Pleanala for permission to level the Tudor-style property, Belmont, built in 1904.
It boasts an indoor swimming pool, seven bedrooms, sauna and steam room and a putting green on two-thirds of an acre.
Mr O'Brien wants to replace it with a new detached house, keeping the existing line of the building but extending the living space into the basement as well as into an annex.
Dublin City Council refused permission on the grounds that the scale, form and design of the existing house "contributes to the character and identify of the streetcape on Shrewsbury Road".
The council also said the proposal would conflict with the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011 to protect and improve the amenities of residential conservation areas.
Refusing Mr O'Brien permission, the council said the development would "set an undesirable precedent for similar development which would cumulatively undermine the character of a conservation area".
He has now appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanala.
A submission on his behalf to the board says the proposed new house is of a high qualiy of architectural design and materials, and reuses many elements and materials conserved from the existing house.
Negative
Mr O'Brien says that the new house will have no negative impact on the character, architectural quality or residential amenity and is also fully compatible with the city development plan.
His 'A-list' neighbours include developer Sean Dunne.
Mr O'Brien already has a several valuable properties in the capital. In 2000 he paid an estimated €9m for a large detached house, also located in Dublin 4.
Irish Independent
Thursday, 20 September 2007
€500m gas terminal seeks planning
THE company planning a €500 million liquid gas terminal on the Shannon Estuary has confirmed it will seek planning permission within the next eight days.
Shannon LNG Ltd yesterday advertised detailed plans for a terminal to convert highly pressurised liquid gas for use on the national grid.
It hopes to open the terminal in 2012.
If given the go-ahead, the north Kerry facility has the potential to provide 40% of the country’s natural gas requirements.
Shannon LNG’s managing director Paddy Power said the plans are being sent to An Bord Pleanála and will be made public on September 28.
The submission of this application is the culmination of months of research, he said.
“The EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) is a very comprehensive document addressing all aspects of the project including environmental impacts, construction and traffic issues, safety requirements and the strict standards to be employed during both construction and operation,” he said.
The cost of the project has risen by €100 million since last year when the company began a site investigation.
Yesterday it said €500m was a more accurate reflection of the cost.
Once An Board Pleanála has received the application a seven-week window will open for the public to register objections.
The proposed complex will be built on the Kerry side of the estuary in the townlands of Ralappane and Kilcolgan Lower, situated between Ballylongford and Tarbert.
This is a land-bank owned by Shannon Development — earmarked to harness the economic potential of its deep-water access.
The terminal will involve a network of jetties, four giant gas storage tanks and buildings where the liquid gas will be converted from minus 160°.
It will require a number of fire safety measures and the establishment of an emergency plan in case of a major accident on the site.
As the terminal is considered a strategic piece of infrastructure, the planning application goes directly to An Bord Pleanála.
Kerry County Council has already approved the rezoning required to allow the complex to be built.
Chairman of Shannon Development John Brassil said the gas terminal will be a big employment boost for the north Kerry area.
From September 28 the public can view the plans at An Bord Pleanála in Dublin, in Shannon LNG’s offices in Listowel, at Kerry County Council in Tralee and at www.shannonlngplanning.ie
Irish Examiner
Shannon LNG Ltd yesterday advertised detailed plans for a terminal to convert highly pressurised liquid gas for use on the national grid.
It hopes to open the terminal in 2012.
If given the go-ahead, the north Kerry facility has the potential to provide 40% of the country’s natural gas requirements.
Shannon LNG’s managing director Paddy Power said the plans are being sent to An Bord Pleanála and will be made public on September 28.
The submission of this application is the culmination of months of research, he said.
“The EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) is a very comprehensive document addressing all aspects of the project including environmental impacts, construction and traffic issues, safety requirements and the strict standards to be employed during both construction and operation,” he said.
The cost of the project has risen by €100 million since last year when the company began a site investigation.
Yesterday it said €500m was a more accurate reflection of the cost.
Once An Board Pleanála has received the application a seven-week window will open for the public to register objections.
The proposed complex will be built on the Kerry side of the estuary in the townlands of Ralappane and Kilcolgan Lower, situated between Ballylongford and Tarbert.
This is a land-bank owned by Shannon Development — earmarked to harness the economic potential of its deep-water access.
The terminal will involve a network of jetties, four giant gas storage tanks and buildings where the liquid gas will be converted from minus 160°.
It will require a number of fire safety measures and the establishment of an emergency plan in case of a major accident on the site.
As the terminal is considered a strategic piece of infrastructure, the planning application goes directly to An Bord Pleanála.
Kerry County Council has already approved the rezoning required to allow the complex to be built.
Chairman of Shannon Development John Brassil said the gas terminal will be a big employment boost for the north Kerry area.
From September 28 the public can view the plans at An Bord Pleanála in Dublin, in Shannon LNG’s offices in Listowel, at Kerry County Council in Tralee and at www.shannonlngplanning.ie
Irish Examiner
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Shell consultants list three possible routes for pipeline
CONSULTANTS for Shell E&P Ireland yesterday announced three possible onshore Corrib pipeline routes as the campaign of opposition to the project pledged to fight the plan to the bitter end.
The consultants, RPS, published a list of eight potential routes last June.
Their next step is to open discussions on the proposed three routes with the public and landowners, and they say an environmental impact statement will be prepared for the final planning submission.
Shell to Sea campaign spokesman John Monaghan said last night: “We don’t want to see the pipeline at all, in any form, and we have stated that very clearly to the consultants.”
The only option, and one which was not included in the consultants’ shortlist, was to remove the pipeline and proposed refinery away from socially and environmentally sensitive areas, in other words out of the Rossport region, he said.
The campaign will continue to use legal and whatever other avenues are open to it to overturn the Shell plan, he said.
Aside from a “distinct minority”, there was nobody in the region who wanted anything other than a reversal of the pipeline plan, and consequently the shortlisted options would do nothing to end the battle between Shell and the campaign of opposition, he said.
The final route is expected to be chosen by the end of the year.
Yesterday’s announcement came after three months of consultation with landowners, the local community and statutory bodies regarding the options published last June.
The consultants’ shortlist has been placed on display in their project office in Belmullet, Co Mayo.
Once the route is chosen, the consultants have expressed their intention to submit the final Corrib gas pipeline route to State authorities for approval for the first time.
Irish Examiner
The consultants, RPS, published a list of eight potential routes last June.
Their next step is to open discussions on the proposed three routes with the public and landowners, and they say an environmental impact statement will be prepared for the final planning submission.
Shell to Sea campaign spokesman John Monaghan said last night: “We don’t want to see the pipeline at all, in any form, and we have stated that very clearly to the consultants.”
The only option, and one which was not included in the consultants’ shortlist, was to remove the pipeline and proposed refinery away from socially and environmentally sensitive areas, in other words out of the Rossport region, he said.
The campaign will continue to use legal and whatever other avenues are open to it to overturn the Shell plan, he said.
Aside from a “distinct minority”, there was nobody in the region who wanted anything other than a reversal of the pipeline plan, and consequently the shortlisted options would do nothing to end the battle between Shell and the campaign of opposition, he said.
The final route is expected to be chosen by the end of the year.
Yesterday’s announcement came after three months of consultation with landowners, the local community and statutory bodies regarding the options published last June.
The consultants’ shortlist has been placed on display in their project office in Belmullet, Co Mayo.
Once the route is chosen, the consultants have expressed their intention to submit the final Corrib gas pipeline route to State authorities for approval for the first time.
Irish Examiner
1.5bn plan to develop technology park rejected
COUNTY councillors in South Tipperary yesterday voted to reject plans for a 3,500-home and technology park development on land partially-owned by the family of former FF TD and minister Noel Davern, outside Clonmel.
New Vision Developments Ltd submitted a proposal to the council for a €1.5 billion technology and residential campus, to be called the Powerstown Quarter, on 400 acres of agricultural land which would, according to the company, have created 3,500 jobs and led to the construction of 3,500 houses over a 20-year period.
COUNTY councillors in South Tipperary yesterday voted to reject plans for a 3,500-home and technology park development on land partially-owned by the family of former FF TD and minister Noel Davern, outside Clonmel.
New Vision Developments Ltd submitted a proposal to the council for a €1.5 billion technology and residential campus, to be called the Powerstown Quarter, on 400 acres of agricultural land which would, according to the company, have created 3,500 jobs and led to the construction of 3,500 houses over a 20-year period.
An 80-acre portion of the land on the northern side of Clonmel is owned by the wife of Noel Davern, while 30 acres of it is owned by sitting Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Norris. The remainder is owned by private businessmen in the area.
County manager Ned O'Connor urged councillors not to back the proposal to rezone the land.
The vote was 13 against and nine for, with the votes in favour coming from the eight FF councillors and independent Cllr Eddie O'Meara. Cllr Norris abstained.
Fine Gael, Labour and the independent Workers and Unemployed Action Group voted against the scheme.
Urban planning consultant Nicholas De Jong, engaged by the county council to examine the plan, criticised the project for several reasons, including a claim that the "new town" of an estimated 9,000 people would not integrate with the existing town of Clonmel; that 15 houses per acre was "inappropriate"; and just 10% of the 400 acres was earmarked for employment.
The county council itself is already developing a business, education and technology park at a site it acquired five years ago at Ballingarrane, adjacent to the main Cahir road.
New Vision Developments expressed disappointment at the vote. Chief executive Don Davern - son of Noel Davern - said the company was "deeply concerned" that the council's consultants failed to find any merit in the proposal. He also questioned if "the same rigour and consideration" have been applied to the council's own development site at Ballingarrane.
"Such questions are all the more pertinent given the €13 million invested in this site over the past eight years and the distinct lack of detail regarding the companies that the council envisages locating there and the number of jobs to be created."
Conor Kane
© Irish Independent
New Vision Developments Ltd submitted a proposal to the council for a €1.5 billion technology and residential campus, to be called the Powerstown Quarter, on 400 acres of agricultural land which would, according to the company, have created 3,500 jobs and led to the construction of 3,500 houses over a 20-year period.
COUNTY councillors in South Tipperary yesterday voted to reject plans for a 3,500-home and technology park development on land partially-owned by the family of former FF TD and minister Noel Davern, outside Clonmel.
New Vision Developments Ltd submitted a proposal to the council for a €1.5 billion technology and residential campus, to be called the Powerstown Quarter, on 400 acres of agricultural land which would, according to the company, have created 3,500 jobs and led to the construction of 3,500 houses over a 20-year period.
An 80-acre portion of the land on the northern side of Clonmel is owned by the wife of Noel Davern, while 30 acres of it is owned by sitting Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Norris. The remainder is owned by private businessmen in the area.
County manager Ned O'Connor urged councillors not to back the proposal to rezone the land.
The vote was 13 against and nine for, with the votes in favour coming from the eight FF councillors and independent Cllr Eddie O'Meara. Cllr Norris abstained.
Fine Gael, Labour and the independent Workers and Unemployed Action Group voted against the scheme.
Urban planning consultant Nicholas De Jong, engaged by the county council to examine the plan, criticised the project for several reasons, including a claim that the "new town" of an estimated 9,000 people would not integrate with the existing town of Clonmel; that 15 houses per acre was "inappropriate"; and just 10% of the 400 acres was earmarked for employment.
The county council itself is already developing a business, education and technology park at a site it acquired five years ago at Ballingarrane, adjacent to the main Cahir road.
New Vision Developments expressed disappointment at the vote. Chief executive Don Davern - son of Noel Davern - said the company was "deeply concerned" that the council's consultants failed to find any merit in the proposal. He also questioned if "the same rigour and consideration" have been applied to the council's own development site at Ballingarrane.
"Such questions are all the more pertinent given the €13 million invested in this site over the past eight years and the distinct lack of detail regarding the companies that the council envisages locating there and the number of jobs to be created."
Conor Kane
© Irish Independent
New national planning guidelines for apartments
National planning guidelines for apartment buildings, which will for the first time compel developers to meet minimum standards for size and design of apartments have been published by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.
Until now, developers have been permitted to determine the size of apartment units and the space given to storage, balconies, and outdoor areas within their developments, as long as they secured planning permission from their local authorities.
National planning guidelines for apartment buildings, which will for the first time compel developers to meet minimum standards for size and design of apartments, are to be published today by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.
Until now, developers have been permitted to determine the size of apartment units and the space given to storage, balconies, and outdoor areas within their developments, as long as they secured planning permission from their local authorities.
Minimum sizes were in place for tax-incentive apartments, known as Section 23 apartments, built in urban regeneration areas since the mid-90s. However, these standards were not enforceable at a national level.
The new guidelines set minimum floor space sizes ranging from 45sq m for a one-bedroom apartment to 90sq m for a three-bedroom apartment. Minimum storage areas for these apartment will range from 3sq m to 9sq m, while minimum balcony areas will range from 5sq m to 9sq m.
The guidelines state that "dual aspect" apartments, i.e. apartments with windows on two sides, should be the norm while single-aspect units facing north should not be permitted. Storage should be provided for "bulky items" in kitchens and bedrooms, communal drying facilities should be provided in larger schemes and bicycle parking must be provided.
The new standards fall somewhat short of recent guidelines published by Dublin City Council for apartments within its area.
However, the principal planning adviser with the Department of the Environment, John Martin, said the department's guidelines should be seen as a minimum requirement.
"We hope that a significant number of apartments exceed these standards," he said.
Olivia Kelly
© 2007 The Irish Times
Until now, developers have been permitted to determine the size of apartment units and the space given to storage, balconies, and outdoor areas within their developments, as long as they secured planning permission from their local authorities.
National planning guidelines for apartment buildings, which will for the first time compel developers to meet minimum standards for size and design of apartments, are to be published today by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.
Until now, developers have been permitted to determine the size of apartment units and the space given to storage, balconies, and outdoor areas within their developments, as long as they secured planning permission from their local authorities.
Minimum sizes were in place for tax-incentive apartments, known as Section 23 apartments, built in urban regeneration areas since the mid-90s. However, these standards were not enforceable at a national level.
The new guidelines set minimum floor space sizes ranging from 45sq m for a one-bedroom apartment to 90sq m for a three-bedroom apartment. Minimum storage areas for these apartment will range from 3sq m to 9sq m, while minimum balcony areas will range from 5sq m to 9sq m.
The guidelines state that "dual aspect" apartments, i.e. apartments with windows on two sides, should be the norm while single-aspect units facing north should not be permitted. Storage should be provided for "bulky items" in kitchens and bedrooms, communal drying facilities should be provided in larger schemes and bicycle parking must be provided.
The new standards fall somewhat short of recent guidelines published by Dublin City Council for apartments within its area.
However, the principal planning adviser with the Department of the Environment, John Martin, said the department's guidelines should be seen as a minimum requirement.
"We hope that a significant number of apartments exceed these standards," he said.
Olivia Kelly
© 2007 The Irish Times
Monday, 17 September 2007
Cork Chamber responds to Docklands Plan
Cork Chamber President, Joe Gantly, has expressed concern that, unless a number of strategic issues are dealt with before the adoption of the Local Area Plan for Cork South Docklands, the progress made in advancing the redevelopment could potentially be delayed.
The call came in a Chamber submission to Cork City Council regarding their consultation on the South Docklands Local Area Plan.
According to Mr. Gantly - "By virtue of the complex issues to be addressed, it is the Chamber's view that a strongly-chaired and resourced Implementation Body - with the full co-operation and commitment of central government, the City Council and all relevant stakeholders - is needed to deliver the Local Area Plan. This will ensure Government commitment and add a sound basis for prioritising various aspects of the critical docklands redevelopment.
"We are now at the beginning of a crucial time period. The development of the docklands is fundamental to the aggressive economic development of Cork. We see the Local Area Plan and the accompanying Business and Implementation Plan as critical documents that underpin the timely delivery of a substantial area of new residential, commercial, infrastructure and public realm development. This will serve to crystallise the function of Cork as a modern gateway city well into the future" - he added.
In order for the Local Area Plan to come to fruition, a number of key factors need to be prioritised - including the relocation of the Port of Cork, provision of key infrastructure, including bridges and public transport and the relocation of the Seveso sites.
"However, development can only occur if financial incentives are put in place. Therefore, the Chamber urges government to provide for tax relief and public funding to facilitate the development."
Mr. Gantly went on to say - "Of primary importance is the relocation of the Port of Cork, which is absolutely fundamental to the delivery of the Local Area Plan. The Chamber urges the Port of Cork - as a key stakeholder - to continue their full engagement in the process."
The Chamber President concluded by saying - "There should be a degree of flexibility built into the Local Area Plan, pending the outcome of the Business and Implementation Plan process. This should result in an agreed balance between the requirements of the built environment and the economic and social needs of the area."
The call came in a Chamber submission to Cork City Council regarding their consultation on the South Docklands Local Area Plan.
According to Mr. Gantly - "By virtue of the complex issues to be addressed, it is the Chamber's view that a strongly-chaired and resourced Implementation Body - with the full co-operation and commitment of central government, the City Council and all relevant stakeholders - is needed to deliver the Local Area Plan. This will ensure Government commitment and add a sound basis for prioritising various aspects of the critical docklands redevelopment.
"We are now at the beginning of a crucial time period. The development of the docklands is fundamental to the aggressive economic development of Cork. We see the Local Area Plan and the accompanying Business and Implementation Plan as critical documents that underpin the timely delivery of a substantial area of new residential, commercial, infrastructure and public realm development. This will serve to crystallise the function of Cork as a modern gateway city well into the future" - he added.
In order for the Local Area Plan to come to fruition, a number of key factors need to be prioritised - including the relocation of the Port of Cork, provision of key infrastructure, including bridges and public transport and the relocation of the Seveso sites.
"However, development can only occur if financial incentives are put in place. Therefore, the Chamber urges government to provide for tax relief and public funding to facilitate the development."
Mr. Gantly went on to say - "Of primary importance is the relocation of the Port of Cork, which is absolutely fundamental to the delivery of the Local Area Plan. The Chamber urges the Port of Cork - as a key stakeholder - to continue their full engagement in the process."
The Chamber President concluded by saying - "There should be a degree of flexibility built into the Local Area Plan, pending the outcome of the Business and Implementation Plan process. This should result in an agreed balance between the requirements of the built environment and the economic and social needs of the area."
Gormley aims to maximise public participation in the planning process
Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, John Gormley, TD, today has approved a new structure for fees charged by An Bord Pleanála in relation to appeals, applications and other matters under the Planning Acts.
The introduction of a fee for applications made under the new strategic consent process - provided for under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 - constitutes the principal change to the fees structure. This fee has been set at €100,000 per application.
Approvals under the new strategic consent process confer a significant economic gain to developers and it is considered right and proper that they should contribute towards the costs associated with this process.
Significant increases will be introduced for first party appeals of planning authority decisions on applications for retention of unauthorised development. Where such development requires an EIS, the new fee of €9,000 represents a more realistic contribution to the costs involved. The fee for first party appeals of planning authority decisions on commercial developments will also increase - from the current level of €630 to €1,500 for non-EIS cases and €3,000 for cases where an EIS was submitted as part of the application.
Modest increases - less than half the rate of inflation in the period since the fees were last reviewed in 2003 - are proposed for third party appeals and referrals - from €210 to €220 in each case.
No change is proposed at present to the €50 fee for the making of submissions or observations on an appeal case. The same fee will apply for submissions made in respect of applications for strategic infrastructure development. In addition, the fee payable for requests for oral hearings will be almost halved - from €95, at present, to €50.
The Minister said - "I'm pleased to approve the Board's new fee structure. It's vital, as far as I'm concerned, that applicants under the new strategic consent process pay a fee that is commensurate with the quality of the service being provided to all participants under the new process. I'm also fully supportive of the Board's move to force individuals responsible for unauthorised development to pay a heavy premium for their actions - this is the right and proper course of action."
Commenting on the small increase in fee for third party appeals, the Minister said - "The planning system must be inclusive of all sectors, all interests and all members of society. I'm determined that the level of fees should not act as a barrier to participation and, in that context, I have requested that the Board undertake a review of the administrative arrangements it has in place, so that, at some point in the near future, it will be possible - in practice, as it already is in principle - to introduce a reduced fee, or even a waiver, for certain classes of individual who wish to make a third party appeal.
"Such a review would perfectly compliment the wider review - on which my Department is currently engaged - of planning application fees charged by planning authorities."
The fees will be implemented on a phased basis over the course of the coming months.
The introduction of a fee for applications made under the new strategic consent process - provided for under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 - constitutes the principal change to the fees structure. This fee has been set at €100,000 per application.
Approvals under the new strategic consent process confer a significant economic gain to developers and it is considered right and proper that they should contribute towards the costs associated with this process.
Significant increases will be introduced for first party appeals of planning authority decisions on applications for retention of unauthorised development. Where such development requires an EIS, the new fee of €9,000 represents a more realistic contribution to the costs involved. The fee for first party appeals of planning authority decisions on commercial developments will also increase - from the current level of €630 to €1,500 for non-EIS cases and €3,000 for cases where an EIS was submitted as part of the application.
Modest increases - less than half the rate of inflation in the period since the fees were last reviewed in 2003 - are proposed for third party appeals and referrals - from €210 to €220 in each case.
No change is proposed at present to the €50 fee for the making of submissions or observations on an appeal case. The same fee will apply for submissions made in respect of applications for strategic infrastructure development. In addition, the fee payable for requests for oral hearings will be almost halved - from €95, at present, to €50.
The Minister said - "I'm pleased to approve the Board's new fee structure. It's vital, as far as I'm concerned, that applicants under the new strategic consent process pay a fee that is commensurate with the quality of the service being provided to all participants under the new process. I'm also fully supportive of the Board's move to force individuals responsible for unauthorised development to pay a heavy premium for their actions - this is the right and proper course of action."
Commenting on the small increase in fee for third party appeals, the Minister said - "The planning system must be inclusive of all sectors, all interests and all members of society. I'm determined that the level of fees should not act as a barrier to participation and, in that context, I have requested that the Board undertake a review of the administrative arrangements it has in place, so that, at some point in the near future, it will be possible - in practice, as it already is in principle - to introduce a reduced fee, or even a waiver, for certain classes of individual who wish to make a third party appeal.
"Such a review would perfectly compliment the wider review - on which my Department is currently engaged - of planning application fees charged by planning authorities."
The fees will be implemented on a phased basis over the course of the coming months.
Commission approves Irish Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme
The European Commission has authorised Ireland to pay national aid worth more than €900 million over the period 2007-2013 to encourage afforestation.
Ireland has the second lowest rate of forest cover in the European Union - at just 10% of the country's total land area. The primary objective is to bring the level up to 17% of land area.
Aid of up to 100% will be available for establishment of forests. The establishment grants will be conditional on compliance with the Code of Best Forest Practice - Ireland and with environmental and forestry practice guidelines. Short-rotation species are excluded from the scope of the aid scheme.
Under certain circumstances, an additional annual premium for maintenance costs and income foregone will be made available after forest establishment.
Farmers establishing new forests and existing forest owners will be encouraged to create high-nature-value forests. A yearly compensation payment will be offered for a commitment to higher environmental standards in the management of the forests, which go beyond the commitments normally required for planting.
The Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme complements Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The aid will be granted by the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
The scheme is one of the first aids to the forestry sector approved under the Community Guidelines for State Aid in the Agriculture and Forestry Sector 2007 to 2013.
The text of the decision will be made available on the Internet - Click Here - once Member States have indicated whether they want parts of the decisions deleted for reasons of confidentiality. The decision can be found under the aid number N 161/07.
Ireland has the second lowest rate of forest cover in the European Union - at just 10% of the country's total land area. The primary objective is to bring the level up to 17% of land area.
Aid of up to 100% will be available for establishment of forests. The establishment grants will be conditional on compliance with the Code of Best Forest Practice - Ireland and with environmental and forestry practice guidelines. Short-rotation species are excluded from the scope of the aid scheme.
Under certain circumstances, an additional annual premium for maintenance costs and income foregone will be made available after forest establishment.
Farmers establishing new forests and existing forest owners will be encouraged to create high-nature-value forests. A yearly compensation payment will be offered for a commitment to higher environmental standards in the management of the forests, which go beyond the commitments normally required for planting.
The Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme complements Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The aid will be granted by the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
The scheme is one of the first aids to the forestry sector approved under the Community Guidelines for State Aid in the Agriculture and Forestry Sector 2007 to 2013.
The text of the decision will be made available on the Internet - Click Here - once Member States have indicated whether they want parts of the decisions deleted for reasons of confidentiality. The decision can be found under the aid number N 161/07.
SEI's House of Tomorrow Programme supports 5000 homes
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has published its annual report for 2006.
The report highlights a number of milestones which were achieved in 2006 including the Warmer Homes Scheme which substantially improved the insulation standards of 2,100 low-income homes and the House of Tomorrow Programme - which, to-date, has supported 5,000 energy efficient new homes in Ireland.
David Taylor, CEO, SEI said - "This has been an exciting and productive year of energy policy in Ireland. The Green Paper - 'Towards a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland' - was released for discussion in 2006. It identified the essentials of the way forward as regards development of renewables and energy efficiency and it set the stage for the issuing of the White Paper in 2007.
"We look forward to putting in place - in conjunction with Government - the roadmap, which will guide the development of the market to the benefit of producers and consumers alike."
SEI continued to advance the wide range of programmes it champions across the economy to promote sustainable energy usage - as well as the development of renewable energy solutions for the commercial, industrial, residential and public sectors.
Key achievements included -
* SEI's Dundalk 20:20 project commenced in 2006 with an aim of stimulating a national move towards sustainable energy practice within a designated Sustainable Energy Zone in Dundalk.
The creation of this project coincided with SEI - acting as project coordinator - receiving substantial funding under the European Commission's 6th Framework Research and Development Programme (FP6).
* Over 11,500 applications for domestic renewable heating systems were approved under the Greener Homes Scheme and almost €5 million in grants was paid in the nine months following the launch of the scheme on the 26th March 2006.
* SEI launched its Ocean Energy Strategy while funding the construction and installation of two large scale wave-energy prototypes that have undergone testing in Galway Bay.
One of these projects - Open Hydro - installed its first large-scale grid-connected 160KW tidal generator with SEI support in November 2006.
* SEI extended its support programmes for large business by launching the Energy Agreements Programme, supporting firms implementing IS 393 - the Irish Energy Management Standard.
The standard is one of only four fully certifiable energy management standards in the world and is already proving successful in driving strong energy cost savings.
* Increased production of energy generated from renewable sources including a 66% increase in wind generated electricity.
* Of the 5,000 housing units across every county in Ireland, which have been supported under SEI's House of Tomorrow Programme, 2,100 homes were occupied by December 2006.
The report highlights a number of milestones which were achieved in 2006 including the Warmer Homes Scheme which substantially improved the insulation standards of 2,100 low-income homes and the House of Tomorrow Programme - which, to-date, has supported 5,000 energy efficient new homes in Ireland.
David Taylor, CEO, SEI said - "This has been an exciting and productive year of energy policy in Ireland. The Green Paper - 'Towards a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland' - was released for discussion in 2006. It identified the essentials of the way forward as regards development of renewables and energy efficiency and it set the stage for the issuing of the White Paper in 2007.
"We look forward to putting in place - in conjunction with Government - the roadmap, which will guide the development of the market to the benefit of producers and consumers alike."
SEI continued to advance the wide range of programmes it champions across the economy to promote sustainable energy usage - as well as the development of renewable energy solutions for the commercial, industrial, residential and public sectors.
Key achievements included -
* SEI's Dundalk 20:20 project commenced in 2006 with an aim of stimulating a national move towards sustainable energy practice within a designated Sustainable Energy Zone in Dundalk.
The creation of this project coincided with SEI - acting as project coordinator - receiving substantial funding under the European Commission's 6th Framework Research and Development Programme (FP6).
* Over 11,500 applications for domestic renewable heating systems were approved under the Greener Homes Scheme and almost €5 million in grants was paid in the nine months following the launch of the scheme on the 26th March 2006.
* SEI launched its Ocean Energy Strategy while funding the construction and installation of two large scale wave-energy prototypes that have undergone testing in Galway Bay.
One of these projects - Open Hydro - installed its first large-scale grid-connected 160KW tidal generator with SEI support in November 2006.
* SEI extended its support programmes for large business by launching the Energy Agreements Programme, supporting firms implementing IS 393 - the Irish Energy Management Standard.
The standard is one of only four fully certifiable energy management standards in the world and is already proving successful in driving strong energy cost savings.
* Increased production of energy generated from renewable sources including a 66% increase in wind generated electricity.
* Of the 5,000 housing units across every county in Ireland, which have been supported under SEI's House of Tomorrow Programme, 2,100 homes were occupied by December 2006.
No to limos on the bus lane
ublin City Council has overwhelmingly voted against allowing limousines to use the routes reserved for buses and taxis.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation had asked that hackneys and limos get the green light for the lanes, pointing out that diplomats and businessmen use limos during their stays.
However, Dublin City Council is to advise the Transport Minister not to give it the go-ahead.
The use of bus lanes was last reviewed by the council in 2001 - but, it was decided then that access to the lanes should remain unchanged due to concern regarding bus journey times.
The Commission for Taxi Regulation had asked that hackneys and limos get the green light for the lanes, pointing out that diplomats and businessmen use limos during their stays.
However, Dublin City Council is to advise the Transport Minister not to give it the go-ahead.
The use of bus lanes was last reviewed by the council in 2001 - but, it was decided then that access to the lanes should remain unchanged due to concern regarding bus journey times.
Lord Mayor calls on citizens of Dublin to support Car Free Day
Mr John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Tierney, Dublin City Manager and Michael Phillips, Director of Traffic, Dublin City Council are inviting motorists to leave their cars at home on Saturday 22nd September and support European Car Free Day in Dublin by using public transport to get around the city.
Dublin City Council is organising family-friendly entertainment at three locations - Parnell Square East, Merrion Square West and the main road through Herbert Park - to encourage families to come into the city by trying out public transport options. These roads will be closed between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Parnell Square will host two 2-hour performances of opera and gypsy music outside Hugh Lane Gallery from 12pm to 4pm. Two art workshops - 12pm and 1.15pm - and three public tours- 12.30, 1.30 and 2.30 - will be held at the same venue. Families can wind down in the picnic area and enjoy the snacks provided and a magician for children, before setting off by ecocab to Merrion Square.
Merrion Square will host a mixture of urban and traditional events to suit children of all ages, starting at midday. An extreme sports display of skateboarding, BMX skills, rollerblades and long boards - as well as a break-dance workshop - will appeal to older children, while the younger children can join the fun on the bouncy castle, attend a magic show or learn circus skills. A picnic area will be provided for families to relax during the activities before they make their way by horse-drawn carriage to the next set of events in Herbert Park.
Herbert Park will host an exciting programme of activities from midday, with The Great Exhibition of 1907 being the focus of the event. Visitors can enjoy music from brass bands and the Fire Brigade Band while admiring the different vintage vehicles on display. Characters dressed in period costume will be on hand to help and direct families to the various attractions.
The Lambert Puppet Theatre will perform their Punch & Judy show for the children, while adults can relax and enjoy traditional afternoon tea free of charge.
"It's never been easier to get public transport in and out of the city" - said Lord Mayor, Cllr Paddy Bourke - "and we hope people will make the effort to come and support Car Free Day on the 22nd Sept. The City Council is making a big effort to provide events on the day, to entertain people of all ages and there will be free public transport running between the three venues" - he added.
"If you've always used your car, Car Free Day is just the opportunity for you to try other alternatives on a weekend day" - said Michael Phillips, Director of Traffic and City Engineer at Dublin City Council. "There are 8 free cycle taxis available in the City Centre area. You can just flag one down in the usual way."
Three new Quality Bus Corridors have come on stream in the last year - The North Quays, Lucan and Swords Road Quality Bus Corridors - getting more commuters to their destinations in less time. The new Pearse Street Quality Bus Corridor will come into operation, for the first time, during Mobility Week.
Dublin Bus carried 150 million passengers in 2005. 41% - just over 60 million - travelled on Quality Bus Corridors. The Dublin Bus projection for 2008 is 162 million passengers, with 59% - 95 million will travel on QBC. Projections for 2011 show 185 million passengers, with 63% - 120 million - travelling on QBC.
"A commuter who drives a 10km journey to work every day - and back, will emit 5 kilos of emissions each day - that's over one tonne per year. By walking or cycling to work, commuters can burn between 300 and 700 calories every day, protect the environment and save up €3000 a year in insurance, fuel and car maintenance costs" - said Cllr Bourke.
European Car Free Day takes place during European Mobility Week - September 16th to 23rd - which aims to encourage people to adopt new approaches of getting to and from work, school and other daily activities, through car pooling, cycling and walking.
Dublin City Council is organising family-friendly entertainment at three locations - Parnell Square East, Merrion Square West and the main road through Herbert Park - to encourage families to come into the city by trying out public transport options. These roads will be closed between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Parnell Square will host two 2-hour performances of opera and gypsy music outside Hugh Lane Gallery from 12pm to 4pm. Two art workshops - 12pm and 1.15pm - and three public tours- 12.30, 1.30 and 2.30 - will be held at the same venue. Families can wind down in the picnic area and enjoy the snacks provided and a magician for children, before setting off by ecocab to Merrion Square.
Merrion Square will host a mixture of urban and traditional events to suit children of all ages, starting at midday. An extreme sports display of skateboarding, BMX skills, rollerblades and long boards - as well as a break-dance workshop - will appeal to older children, while the younger children can join the fun on the bouncy castle, attend a magic show or learn circus skills. A picnic area will be provided for families to relax during the activities before they make their way by horse-drawn carriage to the next set of events in Herbert Park.
Herbert Park will host an exciting programme of activities from midday, with The Great Exhibition of 1907 being the focus of the event. Visitors can enjoy music from brass bands and the Fire Brigade Band while admiring the different vintage vehicles on display. Characters dressed in period costume will be on hand to help and direct families to the various attractions.
The Lambert Puppet Theatre will perform their Punch & Judy show for the children, while adults can relax and enjoy traditional afternoon tea free of charge.
"It's never been easier to get public transport in and out of the city" - said Lord Mayor, Cllr Paddy Bourke - "and we hope people will make the effort to come and support Car Free Day on the 22nd Sept. The City Council is making a big effort to provide events on the day, to entertain people of all ages and there will be free public transport running between the three venues" - he added.
"If you've always used your car, Car Free Day is just the opportunity for you to try other alternatives on a weekend day" - said Michael Phillips, Director of Traffic and City Engineer at Dublin City Council. "There are 8 free cycle taxis available in the City Centre area. You can just flag one down in the usual way."
Three new Quality Bus Corridors have come on stream in the last year - The North Quays, Lucan and Swords Road Quality Bus Corridors - getting more commuters to their destinations in less time. The new Pearse Street Quality Bus Corridor will come into operation, for the first time, during Mobility Week.
Dublin Bus carried 150 million passengers in 2005. 41% - just over 60 million - travelled on Quality Bus Corridors. The Dublin Bus projection for 2008 is 162 million passengers, with 59% - 95 million will travel on QBC. Projections for 2011 show 185 million passengers, with 63% - 120 million - travelling on QBC.
"A commuter who drives a 10km journey to work every day - and back, will emit 5 kilos of emissions each day - that's over one tonne per year. By walking or cycling to work, commuters can burn between 300 and 700 calories every day, protect the environment and save up €3000 a year in insurance, fuel and car maintenance costs" - said Cllr Bourke.
European Car Free Day takes place during European Mobility Week - September 16th to 23rd - which aims to encourage people to adopt new approaches of getting to and from work, school and other daily activities, through car pooling, cycling and walking.
City hails plans for car-sharing
A CONFERENCE and exhibition is being held in Cork today to explore the possibility of a car-sharing scheme or a “car club” being started in the city.
Last week, city councillors approved a feasibility study that concluded that, despite the city’s low density population, a car-sharing scheme could work.
Under the scheme, club members would have ready access to cars without having the expense of buying, insuring and taxing a vehicle.
Club members book a car when they need it, go to a designated parking bay and open the car with a smart card and a PIN number. The car is returned to the bay when the trip is over.
According to the Sustainable Transport Council and managing director of mendes Ltd Graham Lightfoot, the car club is just one part of an “integrated traffic system”.
“An average car is idle 22 hours out of 24 hours. Yet, we pay for them 24 hours a day,” he said.
International studies have shown car club members only drive about two-thirds as much as earlier and that a shared car, through being used more effectively, takes the place of five privately owned cars and as many parking spaces.
Today’s conference at the Imperial Hotel on South Mall is part of European Mobility Week. The city’s highly successful Park and Ride at Black Ash will be free all this week. Black Ash is open to car drivers from 7.30am-7.30pm.
Irish Examiner
Last week, city councillors approved a feasibility study that concluded that, despite the city’s low density population, a car-sharing scheme could work.
Under the scheme, club members would have ready access to cars without having the expense of buying, insuring and taxing a vehicle.
Club members book a car when they need it, go to a designated parking bay and open the car with a smart card and a PIN number. The car is returned to the bay when the trip is over.
According to the Sustainable Transport Council and managing director of mendes Ltd Graham Lightfoot, the car club is just one part of an “integrated traffic system”.
“An average car is idle 22 hours out of 24 hours. Yet, we pay for them 24 hours a day,” he said.
International studies have shown car club members only drive about two-thirds as much as earlier and that a shared car, through being used more effectively, takes the place of five privately owned cars and as many parking spaces.
Today’s conference at the Imperial Hotel on South Mall is part of European Mobility Week. The city’s highly successful Park and Ride at Black Ash will be free all this week. Black Ash is open to car drivers from 7.30am-7.30pm.
Irish Examiner
Coal and nuclear options ‘must be looked at’
WESTERN countries face a politically and economically difficult future as governments are faced with finding alternatives to oil, according to a former US Secretary of Energy.
Nuclear energy and restarting coal mining are some of the realities that political parties will have to consider selling to voters, said Dr James Schlesinger.
He is in Cork today for the annual conference of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil — of which the Irish Examiner is a media sponsor — being held at City Hall for the next two days.
“We are facing and have already started going through a substantial transition as we move from our reliance on oil. This transition will be politically and economically difficult and will reflect the fact that we can no longer depend on crude oil production,” he said.
The transition has started, he added, because of the recent acceleration in oil prices sparked by uncertainty in the Middle East.
“I believe that in the changing world that we are living in we will have to look at coal as an alternative energy source. We also have to look at nuclear.
“We have huge coal firing capacity and that could work along with carbon dioxide capturing, storage and sequestration.
“A focus has to be made on new technologies but they won’t be there for 30 or 40 years. That is our biggest priority.”
Former Shell chairman Lord Oxburgh will also speak at the event.
In an interview with lastshockoil.com this weekend, he warned that oil demand could outstrip supply in the next 20 years.
“How serious it will be will depend on how much progress has been made in the other direction I mentioned, namely finding substitutes for fossil mineral oil,” he said.
Irish Examiner
Nuclear energy and restarting coal mining are some of the realities that political parties will have to consider selling to voters, said Dr James Schlesinger.
He is in Cork today for the annual conference of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil — of which the Irish Examiner is a media sponsor — being held at City Hall for the next two days.
“We are facing and have already started going through a substantial transition as we move from our reliance on oil. This transition will be politically and economically difficult and will reflect the fact that we can no longer depend on crude oil production,” he said.
The transition has started, he added, because of the recent acceleration in oil prices sparked by uncertainty in the Middle East.
“I believe that in the changing world that we are living in we will have to look at coal as an alternative energy source. We also have to look at nuclear.
“We have huge coal firing capacity and that could work along with carbon dioxide capturing, storage and sequestration.
“A focus has to be made on new technologies but they won’t be there for 30 or 40 years. That is our biggest priority.”
Former Shell chairman Lord Oxburgh will also speak at the event.
In an interview with lastshockoil.com this weekend, he warned that oil demand could outstrip supply in the next 20 years.
“How serious it will be will depend on how much progress has been made in the other direction I mentioned, namely finding substitutes for fossil mineral oil,” he said.
Irish Examiner
Row as €20,000 for sewage study goes down the drain
A local authority is being asked to explain how over €200,000 was spent unnecessarily on a study for a proposed sewage plant.
It has emerged that Donegal County Council commissioned an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on a controversial plant for Moville/Greencastle at an estimated cost of €220,000 only to learn from An Bord Pleanala that such a study was not required under new legislation introduced last year.
Local objectors to the plant are now calling on the Comptroller and Auditor General to carry out "an in-depth analysis" of the Council's spending on the proposed scheme over three decades.
An amendment to the Strategic Infrastructural Bill 2006, introduced to fast track infrastructural projects, stipulates that an EIS is only required for a project designed for a "population equivalent of 10,000 or more".
The "population equivalent" of the proposed site on the banks of Lough Foyle at Carnagarve is 8,800. For projects serving a population equivalent of less than 10,000, the local authority is required to list any potential environmental impact in its submission and the planning board determines whether an EIS is necessary.
Exceptions can be made if the project is to be located in an Special Area of Conservation but this is not the case with this scheme.
"It beggars belief that Donegal County Council did not know this. We are demanding accountability for the potential squandering of hundreds of thousands of euro," said Enda Craig, spokesperson for the Campaign for a Clean Estuary group.
He revealed that another EIS and Hydrographic Study was carried out in 1990 on the same site at a cost of IR£180,000.
Local Sinn Fein councillor, Padraig MacLochlainn, who is endorsing the group's call for a review of spending, described it as "a monumental error".
"They clearly rushed headlong into the study without reading the legislation before they wrote the cheque. It is a major blunder and the council should put its hands up and admit that," he said.
The group is calling for the resignation of the County Manager Michael McLoone.A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said that Mr McLoone would be bringing a report before a meeting of the Council at the end of September.
Since it was first earmarked, the site has been dogged with controversy.
It is situated within 170 metres of a Gaelscoil and GAA pitch and in close proximity to approximately 100 houses. 400 metres away on Lafferty's Lane, raw sewage will be pumped from an estimated 60 houses to a vented holding tank beside a beach and picnic area and a number of private homes, including one owned by Nobel prizewinner, John Hume.
Enda Craig described it as "a cheap and nasty solution" to a problem which has been ongoing for over 30 years.
"The most sensible, reasonable location is north east of Greencastle, away from the tidal estuary of Lough Foyle," he said.
But the council has maintained that "considerable time, effort and expense had been put into public consultation" and also that the site at Carnagarve was the "optimum solution".
Irish Independent
It has emerged that Donegal County Council commissioned an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on a controversial plant for Moville/Greencastle at an estimated cost of €220,000 only to learn from An Bord Pleanala that such a study was not required under new legislation introduced last year.
Local objectors to the plant are now calling on the Comptroller and Auditor General to carry out "an in-depth analysis" of the Council's spending on the proposed scheme over three decades.
An amendment to the Strategic Infrastructural Bill 2006, introduced to fast track infrastructural projects, stipulates that an EIS is only required for a project designed for a "population equivalent of 10,000 or more".
The "population equivalent" of the proposed site on the banks of Lough Foyle at Carnagarve is 8,800. For projects serving a population equivalent of less than 10,000, the local authority is required to list any potential environmental impact in its submission and the planning board determines whether an EIS is necessary.
Exceptions can be made if the project is to be located in an Special Area of Conservation but this is not the case with this scheme.
"It beggars belief that Donegal County Council did not know this. We are demanding accountability for the potential squandering of hundreds of thousands of euro," said Enda Craig, spokesperson for the Campaign for a Clean Estuary group.
He revealed that another EIS and Hydrographic Study was carried out in 1990 on the same site at a cost of IR£180,000.
Local Sinn Fein councillor, Padraig MacLochlainn, who is endorsing the group's call for a review of spending, described it as "a monumental error".
"They clearly rushed headlong into the study without reading the legislation before they wrote the cheque. It is a major blunder and the council should put its hands up and admit that," he said.
The group is calling for the resignation of the County Manager Michael McLoone.A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said that Mr McLoone would be bringing a report before a meeting of the Council at the end of September.
Since it was first earmarked, the site has been dogged with controversy.
It is situated within 170 metres of a Gaelscoil and GAA pitch and in close proximity to approximately 100 houses. 400 metres away on Lafferty's Lane, raw sewage will be pumped from an estimated 60 houses to a vented holding tank beside a beach and picnic area and a number of private homes, including one owned by Nobel prizewinner, John Hume.
Enda Craig described it as "a cheap and nasty solution" to a problem which has been ongoing for over 30 years.
"The most sensible, reasonable location is north east of Greencastle, away from the tidal estuary of Lough Foyle," he said.
But the council has maintained that "considerable time, effort and expense had been put into public consultation" and also that the site at Carnagarve was the "optimum solution".
Irish Independent
Waste plant discharge is confirmed by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed that there was an effluent overflow from a pumping station adjacent to Seapoint but has not yet given full details about the incident.
A spokesperson for the authority confirmed that there had been an overflow from the station on August 19, but stopped short of providing specific information on the quantity or seriousness of the discharge.
The confirmation comes after serious concerns were raised that a foul-smelling brown sludge, which appeared in the sea off south Dublin, could be sewage overflowing from a nearby pumping station.
But now, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has moved to alleviate fears that the mysterious brown sludge and foul smell is linked to the pumping station overflow incident and insists that it is the result of natural occurring brown algae which has made its way onto the beach.
"As far as I know the overflow occurred when the pump in the pumping station was beaten [by the amount of material that it had to pump] and that happened because of the heavy rainfall," a spokesperson said.
However, when asked to give details on the material that had made its way into the sea, which is a popular bathing spot for thousands of southside residents, the spokeswoman declined to comment.
When questioned about what had caused a number of readings to rise above the Blue Flag limit on August 14 last month, five days before the overflow occurred, the spokeswoman stated: "This is a bay and therefore a natural environment with human, animal and plant activity that is not within the control of the local authority.
"Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council wishes to reiterate that independent sampling by Dublin city central laboratory has confirmed that the water quality on our two Blue Flag beaches at Seapoint and Killiney meets the stringent standards set by the Blue Flag criteria."
She continued: "These standards are considerably in excess of Irish natural regulation and mandatory standards as determined by the EU bathing water directive and Irish national regulation limits."
The council spokeswoman was keen to point out that the readings which occurred on August 14 were in no way related to the subsequent overflow which took place on August 19 or the appearance of a brown sludge which has been observed by locals in the area over the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carried out a number of tests in the water at Seapoint last Friday, after been contacted by the Sunday Independent.
The agency subsequently confirmed that the brown sludge that is currently present in the water is in fact a strand of brown mackerel algae otherwise known as Ecto carpus pylaiella.
Speaking about the results of the tests, a spokeswoman said, "One of our inspectors completed the investigation and it seems that the sludge is in fact a band of brown mackerel algae which has been stranded on the sea shore.
"It is a naturally occurring and, while it doesn't look pretty, it actually isn't of any issue, apart from the odour."
The environment agency also stated that it will be carrying out further, more detailed examinations, over the next week.
But despite reassurances from local authorities and environmental agencies, locals were still cautious about going for their regular swim last week.
A number of children who were playing in the water at Seapoint spoke of how they had heard rumours about the sludge and said they felt sick after swallowing the water.
Thirteen-year-old Kim Joyce from Blackrock complained that the odour was making her feel unwell.
"You can smell it all the way up at our house. It makes me feel sick, and my little brother, who is only two years of age, got sick from the smell of it. I also have a rash on my legs and I think that might be from the water."
Her friend, Adam Kane (12) agreed: "It's rotten when you swallow the water. But we've nowhere else to play except the park and that's not as good.
"We'd like if the water got cleaned out so we wouldn't have to worry about going for a swim anymore.
Local businesses, such as the Purty Kitchen restaurant, are very keen that the problem of the foul odour should be addressed urgently.
Irish Independent
A spokesperson for the authority confirmed that there had been an overflow from the station on August 19, but stopped short of providing specific information on the quantity or seriousness of the discharge.
The confirmation comes after serious concerns were raised that a foul-smelling brown sludge, which appeared in the sea off south Dublin, could be sewage overflowing from a nearby pumping station.
But now, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has moved to alleviate fears that the mysterious brown sludge and foul smell is linked to the pumping station overflow incident and insists that it is the result of natural occurring brown algae which has made its way onto the beach.
"As far as I know the overflow occurred when the pump in the pumping station was beaten [by the amount of material that it had to pump] and that happened because of the heavy rainfall," a spokesperson said.
However, when asked to give details on the material that had made its way into the sea, which is a popular bathing spot for thousands of southside residents, the spokeswoman declined to comment.
When questioned about what had caused a number of readings to rise above the Blue Flag limit on August 14 last month, five days before the overflow occurred, the spokeswoman stated: "This is a bay and therefore a natural environment with human, animal and plant activity that is not within the control of the local authority.
"Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council wishes to reiterate that independent sampling by Dublin city central laboratory has confirmed that the water quality on our two Blue Flag beaches at Seapoint and Killiney meets the stringent standards set by the Blue Flag criteria."
She continued: "These standards are considerably in excess of Irish natural regulation and mandatory standards as determined by the EU bathing water directive and Irish national regulation limits."
The council spokeswoman was keen to point out that the readings which occurred on August 14 were in no way related to the subsequent overflow which took place on August 19 or the appearance of a brown sludge which has been observed by locals in the area over the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carried out a number of tests in the water at Seapoint last Friday, after been contacted by the Sunday Independent.
The agency subsequently confirmed that the brown sludge that is currently present in the water is in fact a strand of brown mackerel algae otherwise known as Ecto carpus pylaiella.
Speaking about the results of the tests, a spokeswoman said, "One of our inspectors completed the investigation and it seems that the sludge is in fact a band of brown mackerel algae which has been stranded on the sea shore.
"It is a naturally occurring and, while it doesn't look pretty, it actually isn't of any issue, apart from the odour."
The environment agency also stated that it will be carrying out further, more detailed examinations, over the next week.
But despite reassurances from local authorities and environmental agencies, locals were still cautious about going for their regular swim last week.
A number of children who were playing in the water at Seapoint spoke of how they had heard rumours about the sludge and said they felt sick after swallowing the water.
Thirteen-year-old Kim Joyce from Blackrock complained that the odour was making her feel unwell.
"You can smell it all the way up at our house. It makes me feel sick, and my little brother, who is only two years of age, got sick from the smell of it. I also have a rash on my legs and I think that might be from the water."
Her friend, Adam Kane (12) agreed: "It's rotten when you swallow the water. But we've nowhere else to play except the park and that's not as good.
"We'd like if the water got cleaned out so we wouldn't have to worry about going for a swim anymore.
Local businesses, such as the Purty Kitchen restaurant, are very keen that the problem of the foul odour should be addressed urgently.
Irish Independent
Luxury flats plan sparks unholy row
AN unholy row has broken out involving two religious orders of nursing sisters, a parish and one of the country's best-known businessmen, Noel Smyth, over plans to build luxury apartments on the site of St Michael's Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.
The tussle concerns the Sisters of Charity and St Vincent's Healthcare Group and the parish of St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire on one side and the Sisters of Mercy and Mr Smyth on the other.
St Vincent's Healthcare Group, which administers both St Vincent's Hospital and St Michael's Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, is annoyed at the decision of the Sisters of Mercy -- who own the lands around St Michael's -- to sell off the one-acre car park and another part of the site earlier this year to the developer for between €20m and €30m.
St Vincent's wants to completely upgrade the ageing hospital.
Mr Smyth, lodged a planning application last month for two blocks of luxury apartments on the two sites within the hospital complex.
A total of 111 apartments is proposed for the two blocks running from the harbour side of the coast to the centre of the town. Objections have now been lodged on behalf of St Vincent's and the Sisters of Charity and by the Parish of St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire to the proposed complex.
A spokesman for St Vincent's confirmed that an objection had been lodged, but there was no sign of the objection in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Planning Office's files on Friday.
In a statement last month, St Vincent's said: "The future operation of St Michael's at its current site will be adversely affected if the car park site that is currently being used by patients and staff is no longer available to the hospital.
"This car park site was not owned by SVHG or the Sisters of Charity (SVHG trustees) and has been sold recently by its owners, the Sisters of Mercy. The car park is an integral part of current hospital services. SVHG was interested in acquiring the car park for use by St Michael's Hospital.
"It had discussions with the Sisters of Mercy and is disappointed that the car park site has been sold to a third party."
The Parish of St Michael in Dun Laoghaire has lodged two objections to the proposal for apartments on the site of the old nurses' home as it would overlook a community centre.
Irish Independent
The tussle concerns the Sisters of Charity and St Vincent's Healthcare Group and the parish of St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire on one side and the Sisters of Mercy and Mr Smyth on the other.
St Vincent's Healthcare Group, which administers both St Vincent's Hospital and St Michael's Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, is annoyed at the decision of the Sisters of Mercy -- who own the lands around St Michael's -- to sell off the one-acre car park and another part of the site earlier this year to the developer for between €20m and €30m.
St Vincent's wants to completely upgrade the ageing hospital.
Mr Smyth, lodged a planning application last month for two blocks of luxury apartments on the two sites within the hospital complex.
A total of 111 apartments is proposed for the two blocks running from the harbour side of the coast to the centre of the town. Objections have now been lodged on behalf of St Vincent's and the Sisters of Charity and by the Parish of St Michael's in Dun Laoghaire to the proposed complex.
A spokesman for St Vincent's confirmed that an objection had been lodged, but there was no sign of the objection in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Planning Office's files on Friday.
In a statement last month, St Vincent's said: "The future operation of St Michael's at its current site will be adversely affected if the car park site that is currently being used by patients and staff is no longer available to the hospital.
"This car park site was not owned by SVHG or the Sisters of Charity (SVHG trustees) and has been sold recently by its owners, the Sisters of Mercy. The car park is an integral part of current hospital services. SVHG was interested in acquiring the car park for use by St Michael's Hospital.
"It had discussions with the Sisters of Mercy and is disappointed that the car park site has been sold to a third party."
The Parish of St Michael in Dun Laoghaire has lodged two objections to the proposal for apartments on the site of the old nurses' home as it would overlook a community centre.
Irish Independent
U2 cutting it fine with hotel plans
Protected structure may hinder skycatcher glass dome proposal
U2's plan to transform the Clarence Hotel is hanging in the balance, as the rock supergroup have just one more week left to answer a list of key questions from the planning authorities about the project.
Bono and the Edge - who own the property in the heart of the capital - applied to Dublin City Council earlier this year to give the Clarence a €150 million revamp.
Their ambitious plan is to make the Clarence "the most spectacular hotel in Europe", complete with a spaceship-like glass dome on top, visible from all over the city.
Their proposal to quadruple the size of their landmark property, demolishing neighbouring Georgian buildings and rebuilding the hotel itself, has been the subject of a number of objections.
Officials in the council's planning department delayed their application in March, saying the owners must answer a raft of 18 questions before it could be considered.
They were given six months to respond -- but have yet to do so and the cut-off time is looming.
With the deadline set for September 26, the Clarence Partnership have just over one week left to provide the additional information requested.
A source in the planning department said: "They are cutting it very fine, leaving it until the eleventh hour. Or perhaps they are using all the time they have, as some of the questions are very complex."
In a letter to Bono and the Edge, the department pointed out that under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act, authorities will not grant planning permission for the demolition of a protected structure, save in exceptional circumstances.
It stated that it requires the strongest justification to do so and wants the owners to address this matter in detail.
A significant number of the queries relate to the ambitious skycatcher glass dome, a Viking boat-shaped atrium stretching from the basement to the rooftop.
It asked the applicants to clarify the numbers and purpose of all proposed openings onto both Wellington Quay and Essex Street East and it wants more information and details on drawings and plans and requests clarification on the nature of the proposed retail area.
Bono wants to transform the 44-bedroom boutique hotel into a nine-storey, 141-bedroom five-star hotel and spa complete with signature restaurant, bar and fresh food market.
The new hotel will encompass the former Dollard printing works and four other Georgian buildings on Wellington Quay.
Objectors to the plan include An Taisce, the heritage trust, who say the proposal is completely inappropriate for both the protected structures and their historic city-centre location, and the Irish Georgian Society, which believes that the development would dwarf adjoining buildings and dominate the Liffey quays.
The Clarence hotel was established in 1852 and bought by Bono and The Edge in 1992. Despite being the hotel of choice for international celebrities, it has incurred losses.
One of the biggest critics of the proposed Clarence revamp is conservationist and former head of An Taisce, Michael Smith, who described it as the "bastardisation" of the hotel.
He said: "The city council has indulged them and their property partner Paddy McKillen long enough."
Irish Independent
U2's plan to transform the Clarence Hotel is hanging in the balance, as the rock supergroup have just one more week left to answer a list of key questions from the planning authorities about the project.
Bono and the Edge - who own the property in the heart of the capital - applied to Dublin City Council earlier this year to give the Clarence a €150 million revamp.
Their ambitious plan is to make the Clarence "the most spectacular hotel in Europe", complete with a spaceship-like glass dome on top, visible from all over the city.
Their proposal to quadruple the size of their landmark property, demolishing neighbouring Georgian buildings and rebuilding the hotel itself, has been the subject of a number of objections.
Officials in the council's planning department delayed their application in March, saying the owners must answer a raft of 18 questions before it could be considered.
They were given six months to respond -- but have yet to do so and the cut-off time is looming.
With the deadline set for September 26, the Clarence Partnership have just over one week left to provide the additional information requested.
A source in the planning department said: "They are cutting it very fine, leaving it until the eleventh hour. Or perhaps they are using all the time they have, as some of the questions are very complex."
In a letter to Bono and the Edge, the department pointed out that under Section 57 of the Planning and Development Act, authorities will not grant planning permission for the demolition of a protected structure, save in exceptional circumstances.
It stated that it requires the strongest justification to do so and wants the owners to address this matter in detail.
A significant number of the queries relate to the ambitious skycatcher glass dome, a Viking boat-shaped atrium stretching from the basement to the rooftop.
It asked the applicants to clarify the numbers and purpose of all proposed openings onto both Wellington Quay and Essex Street East and it wants more information and details on drawings and plans and requests clarification on the nature of the proposed retail area.
Bono wants to transform the 44-bedroom boutique hotel into a nine-storey, 141-bedroom five-star hotel and spa complete with signature restaurant, bar and fresh food market.
The new hotel will encompass the former Dollard printing works and four other Georgian buildings on Wellington Quay.
Objectors to the plan include An Taisce, the heritage trust, who say the proposal is completely inappropriate for both the protected structures and their historic city-centre location, and the Irish Georgian Society, which believes that the development would dwarf adjoining buildings and dominate the Liffey quays.
The Clarence hotel was established in 1852 and bought by Bono and The Edge in 1992. Despite being the hotel of choice for international celebrities, it has incurred losses.
One of the biggest critics of the proposed Clarence revamp is conservationist and former head of An Taisce, Michael Smith, who described it as the "bastardisation" of the hotel.
He said: "The city council has indulged them and their property partner Paddy McKillen long enough."
Irish Independent
Luas line on track for train link
THE Luas is to be extended into the centre of the Co Wicklow seaside town of Bray, transport chiefs have confirmed.
It comes after an intense public campaign to have the rail line connect with both the Dart and trains from the south-east, which carry thousands of commuters into Dublin every day.
The extension from Cherrywood, near Loughlinstown, to an as yet undetermined spot north of the town will divide in two, with one line going to Fassaroe in the west and the other through Bray to the Dart.
The announcement is a major coup for the county, with both local politicians and the town's chamber of commerce strongly welcoming the move.
Tom Manning, Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), said: "It was decided that, subject to approval and receiving funding, the line will go and connect with the Dart."
Rolled-out under the Government's Transport 21 plan, the RPA last summer announced three possible routes for the extension, all of which by-passed Bray centre. But a campaign, launched by the local chamber of commerce, called for a spur-line to connect the light rail system with the Dart.
Advertisements were taken out in the county's local media, urging residents to write to the RPA in support of the link.
The announcement was given this week via an RPA letter to county manager Eddie Sheehy, read out at a meeting of Bray Town Council.
Subject to planning approval, it is hoped the project could be finished by 2015.
It would mark a major transport boost for the commuter population of both counties Wicklow and Wexford.
Mr Manning said detailed plans would now be devised as to how trams would run through the town.
Bray Chamber President Eugene Finnegan branded the announcement as historic.
"A number of months ago, all that seemed likely was a bus transit link into Bray from a Luas stop in Fassaroe," he said.
"Today, we have confirmation that the Luas will be brought into Bray and will link with Bray Dart Station.
"It is clear that the significant public response from the public in Bray and Co Wicklow calling on the RPA to bring the Luas into Bray was a significant factor in this decision.
"From the outset, we have passionately lobbied and articulated our belief that the Luas should connect with Bray Dart Station, thereby serving an existing population of 30,000, as well as towns across Co Wicklow served by the Suburban Rail Service," he said.
Irish Independent
It comes after an intense public campaign to have the rail line connect with both the Dart and trains from the south-east, which carry thousands of commuters into Dublin every day.
The extension from Cherrywood, near Loughlinstown, to an as yet undetermined spot north of the town will divide in two, with one line going to Fassaroe in the west and the other through Bray to the Dart.
The announcement is a major coup for the county, with both local politicians and the town's chamber of commerce strongly welcoming the move.
Tom Manning, Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), said: "It was decided that, subject to approval and receiving funding, the line will go and connect with the Dart."
Rolled-out under the Government's Transport 21 plan, the RPA last summer announced three possible routes for the extension, all of which by-passed Bray centre. But a campaign, launched by the local chamber of commerce, called for a spur-line to connect the light rail system with the Dart.
Advertisements were taken out in the county's local media, urging residents to write to the RPA in support of the link.
The announcement was given this week via an RPA letter to county manager Eddie Sheehy, read out at a meeting of Bray Town Council.
Subject to planning approval, it is hoped the project could be finished by 2015.
It would mark a major transport boost for the commuter population of both counties Wicklow and Wexford.
Mr Manning said detailed plans would now be devised as to how trams would run through the town.
Bray Chamber President Eugene Finnegan branded the announcement as historic.
"A number of months ago, all that seemed likely was a bus transit link into Bray from a Luas stop in Fassaroe," he said.
"Today, we have confirmation that the Luas will be brought into Bray and will link with Bray Dart Station.
"It is clear that the significant public response from the public in Bray and Co Wicklow calling on the RPA to bring the Luas into Bray was a significant factor in this decision.
"From the outset, we have passionately lobbied and articulated our belief that the Luas should connect with Bray Dart Station, thereby serving an existing population of 30,000, as well as towns across Co Wicklow served by the Suburban Rail Service," he said.
Irish Independent
Shortlist drawn for €5bn Dublin Metro system
A SHORTLIST of international consortia has been drawn up to design, build and operate the proposed €5bn Metro from Dublin city centre to the airport.
The list of bidders, selected by the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA), includes some of the leading operators of Metro systems abroad.
It includes Veolia, which already operates the Luas.
Shortlisted consortia has until November 2 to compete for one infrastructure provider, one to supply the Metro carriages and one to operate the system.
It is intended that the Railway Order application process will commence in early 2008.
The pre-application consultation process with an An Bord Pleanala has commenced and the public consultation process is ongoing.
However, it is expected that the Metro will not be operational until 2016.
As well as Metro North, the RPA is planning the Metro West, a 25km line linking Tallaght with Ballymun and a number of Luas lines, serving Citywest, Docklands and Cherrywood/Shanganagh.
Irish Independent
The list of bidders, selected by the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA), includes some of the leading operators of Metro systems abroad.
It includes Veolia, which already operates the Luas.
Shortlisted consortia has until November 2 to compete for one infrastructure provider, one to supply the Metro carriages and one to operate the system.
It is intended that the Railway Order application process will commence in early 2008.
The pre-application consultation process with an An Bord Pleanala has commenced and the public consultation process is ongoing.
However, it is expected that the Metro will not be operational until 2016.
As well as Metro North, the RPA is planning the Metro West, a 25km line linking Tallaght with Ballymun and a number of Luas lines, serving Citywest, Docklands and Cherrywood/Shanganagh.
Irish Independent
It's back to boiling water as e-coli strikes supplies
Just when they thought it was safe to try the water again . . . householders in Galway city's biggest suburb were reeling last night after being told once more that they could not use the tap water.
A 'water boil' notice was put in place after it was confirmed that traces of e-coli were found in the public supply in Knocknacarra.
The area has a population of 15,000 and, for the umpteenth time this year, most were traipsing to local supermarkets last night to stock up once again on bottled water.
Galway City Council issued the alert after tests revealed the presence of e-coli in the system.
And while the latest infection has nothing to do with the cryptosporidium outbreak which had the entire city boiling water for five months earlier this year, the precautionary notice was immediately issued.
Director of services with Galway City Council, Ciaran Hayes said that the problem appeared to have been caused by work being carried out by the Council on the water line in the Knocknacarra area.
Mr Hayes said: "As a result of the sampling that we undertake routinely in the area, we picked up a high reading for e-coli in the Knocknacarra area.
"What we did immediately was we flushed out the system and carried out remedial works. We injected additional chlorine and so on into the system."
He added: "We have since taken samples again and all of those samples are now clear. But we have consulted with the HSE in this matter and it has been decided on a precautionary basis to introduce a 'water boil' notice for a large part of the area".
Mr Hayes added that he expected that the notice would only be "in the short term".
But local councillor, Padraig Conneely said that it was only a matter of weeks since the people of Galway had emerged from five months of boiling water as a result of the cryptosporidium outbreak in the city. He described the latest development as "astounding".
"People were only starting to feel safe drinking the water again and now they are told that it is again contaminated. It is just not acceptable. I can't believe that the necessary precautions were not taken to ensure that the water would not be contaminated," he said.
Irish Independent
A 'water boil' notice was put in place after it was confirmed that traces of e-coli were found in the public supply in Knocknacarra.
The area has a population of 15,000 and, for the umpteenth time this year, most were traipsing to local supermarkets last night to stock up once again on bottled water.
Galway City Council issued the alert after tests revealed the presence of e-coli in the system.
And while the latest infection has nothing to do with the cryptosporidium outbreak which had the entire city boiling water for five months earlier this year, the precautionary notice was immediately issued.
Director of services with Galway City Council, Ciaran Hayes said that the problem appeared to have been caused by work being carried out by the Council on the water line in the Knocknacarra area.
Mr Hayes said: "As a result of the sampling that we undertake routinely in the area, we picked up a high reading for e-coli in the Knocknacarra area.
"What we did immediately was we flushed out the system and carried out remedial works. We injected additional chlorine and so on into the system."
He added: "We have since taken samples again and all of those samples are now clear. But we have consulted with the HSE in this matter and it has been decided on a precautionary basis to introduce a 'water boil' notice for a large part of the area".
Mr Hayes added that he expected that the notice would only be "in the short term".
But local councillor, Padraig Conneely said that it was only a matter of weeks since the people of Galway had emerged from five months of boiling water as a result of the cryptosporidium outbreak in the city. He described the latest development as "astounding".
"People were only starting to feel safe drinking the water again and now they are told that it is again contaminated. It is just not acceptable. I can't believe that the necessary precautions were not taken to ensure that the water would not be contaminated," he said.
Irish Independent
Thursday, 13 September 2007
Kerry landowners 'may be codding' planners
The Kerry county manager yesterday questioned the practice of favouring local landowners in granting planning permission for one-off houses in scenic rural areas.
Landowners and their relatives living permanently in Kerry are considered to have an established need for one-off houses under the current county development plan and efforts are made to accommodate them even in areas of amenity. The permissions are subject to permanent residency clauses.
The provisions were introduced in an attempt to protect the landscape from holiday homes while accommodating local people
The Kerry county manager yesterday questioned the practice of favouring local landowners in granting planning permission for one-off houses in scenic rural areas.
Landowners and their relatives living permanently in Kerry are considered to have an established need for one-off houses under the current county development plan and efforts are made to accommodate them even in areas of amenity. The permissions are subject to permanent residency clauses.
The provisions were introduced in an attempt to protect the landscape from holiday homes while accommodating local people.
However at a special planning meeting yesterday, county manager Tom Curran said it appeared to him some of these people were involved in speculative development.
Mr Curran said he had seen "For Sale" signs in areas where exceptions had been made by planners in an effort to accommodate landowners.
"In relation to houses I see being put on the market, I'm asking who got planning and on what basis. Are we all being codded here?" Mr Curran asked.
He was responding to a call from Cllr Michael Cahill for a further special meeting to discuss difficulties in planning for one-off houses.
Planning applications which are expected to soar to an unprecedented 5,000 in rural Kerry this year are already up by 13 per cent on the same period last year.
This is several times above estimated population needs of around 700 new houses a year.
Some 80 per cent of applications have been granted in Co Kerry.
However, some councillors are claiming that there are planning blackspots where it is extremely difficult to obtain permission.
Anne Lucey
© 2007 The Irish Times
Landowners and their relatives living permanently in Kerry are considered to have an established need for one-off houses under the current county development plan and efforts are made to accommodate them even in areas of amenity. The permissions are subject to permanent residency clauses.
The provisions were introduced in an attempt to protect the landscape from holiday homes while accommodating local people
The Kerry county manager yesterday questioned the practice of favouring local landowners in granting planning permission for one-off houses in scenic rural areas.
Landowners and their relatives living permanently in Kerry are considered to have an established need for one-off houses under the current county development plan and efforts are made to accommodate them even in areas of amenity. The permissions are subject to permanent residency clauses.
The provisions were introduced in an attempt to protect the landscape from holiday homes while accommodating local people.
However at a special planning meeting yesterday, county manager Tom Curran said it appeared to him some of these people were involved in speculative development.
Mr Curran said he had seen "For Sale" signs in areas where exceptions had been made by planners in an effort to accommodate landowners.
"In relation to houses I see being put on the market, I'm asking who got planning and on what basis. Are we all being codded here?" Mr Curran asked.
He was responding to a call from Cllr Michael Cahill for a further special meeting to discuss difficulties in planning for one-off houses.
Planning applications which are expected to soar to an unprecedented 5,000 in rural Kerry this year are already up by 13 per cent on the same period last year.
This is several times above estimated population needs of around 700 new houses a year.
Some 80 per cent of applications have been granted in Co Kerry.
However, some councillors are claiming that there are planning blackspots where it is extremely difficult to obtain permission.
Anne Lucey
© 2007 The Irish Times
Objection to abattoir by O'Dea
DEFENCE Minister Willie O’Dea yesterday denied making objections to Limerick County Council on behalf of JP McManus and his daughter Sue Ann regarding a proposed abattoir near the 145 acre estate which the millionaire bought as a wedding present for his only daughter. Limerick butcher, Jim Flavin has launched a detailed planning application for the abattoir on lands at Grange.
DEFENCE Minister Willie O’Dea yesterday denied making objections to Limerick County Council on behalf of JP McManus and his daughter Sue Ann regarding a proposed abattoir near the 145 acre estate which the millionaire bought as a wedding present for his only daughter. Limerick butcher, Jim Flavin has launched a detailed planning application for the abattoir on lands at Grange. He wants to build a slaughter house a short distance from a 145-acre estate which Mr McManus bought for €4.5 million. A total of 28 objections have been lodged with the council to the proposal and the objectors include a first cousin of the applicant, John Flavin. Mr Flavin said if his cousin’s abattoir went ahead he would have to move out of the area. Although neither Mr McManus nor his daughter are among the objectors, local sources said Mr McManus would support moves to block the development of an abattoir. His daughter and her husband, Cian Foley, plan to build a new luxury home on the estate which Mr McManus bought for the couple shortly before their wedding in July. Mr O’Dea confirmed yesterday he had contacted the planning section of the council on the last day for submissions. Mr O’Dea said: “I contacted the council having been approached by a number of concerned local people, including John Flavin. I feel such a development totally inappropriate for the Grange area. At no point was I contacted by JP or his daughter Sue Ann about the matter and I did not intervene on behalf of Mr McManus or his daughter. I did so on behalf of others. I spoke with a council official. I understand that while a final decision has yet to be made, the council have sought additional information from the developer in a letter which indicates that they will not give planning permission for the proposal in its present form.” However, Mr Flavin, who runs a butchering business in Castletroy and owns extensive lands in Grange, intends to press ahead with the abattoir plan. He said: “This is not the end of it. Nothing has been decided.” In their letter to Mr Flavin seeking further information, council planners have told him that the proposed site is unsuitable for an abattoir and in its current form the application faces refusal. Mr Flavin now has six months to come up with an alternative site for the proposed abattoir. Mr Flavin claims he will only slaughter about 15 cattle a week. However, locals fear it will have more extensive use posing huge risks to the environment from the smell and the disposal of huge amounts of offal. They also say lorries bringing cattle for slaughter and meat from the site would pose traffic hazards on narrow country roads in the Grange area.
Jimmy Woulfe
© Irish Examiner
DEFENCE Minister Willie O’Dea yesterday denied making objections to Limerick County Council on behalf of JP McManus and his daughter Sue Ann regarding a proposed abattoir near the 145 acre estate which the millionaire bought as a wedding present for his only daughter. Limerick butcher, Jim Flavin has launched a detailed planning application for the abattoir on lands at Grange. He wants to build a slaughter house a short distance from a 145-acre estate which Mr McManus bought for €4.5 million. A total of 28 objections have been lodged with the council to the proposal and the objectors include a first cousin of the applicant, John Flavin. Mr Flavin said if his cousin’s abattoir went ahead he would have to move out of the area. Although neither Mr McManus nor his daughter are among the objectors, local sources said Mr McManus would support moves to block the development of an abattoir. His daughter and her husband, Cian Foley, plan to build a new luxury home on the estate which Mr McManus bought for the couple shortly before their wedding in July. Mr O’Dea confirmed yesterday he had contacted the planning section of the council on the last day for submissions. Mr O’Dea said: “I contacted the council having been approached by a number of concerned local people, including John Flavin. I feel such a development totally inappropriate for the Grange area. At no point was I contacted by JP or his daughter Sue Ann about the matter and I did not intervene on behalf of Mr McManus or his daughter. I did so on behalf of others. I spoke with a council official. I understand that while a final decision has yet to be made, the council have sought additional information from the developer in a letter which indicates that they will not give planning permission for the proposal in its present form.” However, Mr Flavin, who runs a butchering business in Castletroy and owns extensive lands in Grange, intends to press ahead with the abattoir plan. He said: “This is not the end of it. Nothing has been decided.” In their letter to Mr Flavin seeking further information, council planners have told him that the proposed site is unsuitable for an abattoir and in its current form the application faces refusal. Mr Flavin now has six months to come up with an alternative site for the proposed abattoir. Mr Flavin claims he will only slaughter about 15 cattle a week. However, locals fear it will have more extensive use posing huge risks to the environment from the smell and the disposal of huge amounts of offal. They also say lorries bringing cattle for slaughter and meat from the site would pose traffic hazards on narrow country roads in the Grange area.
Jimmy Woulfe
© Irish Examiner
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
DAA approves contracts for T2
The Board of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has approved the placing of a number of significant contracts that will enable construction work to proceed, as soon as possible, on the second passenger terminal (T2) at Dublin Airport.
Following the recent decision by by An Bord Pleanála, the DAA plans to begin initial site work for T2 in the first week of October, subject to agreement with the relevant statutory authorities. "The contracts approved, have a combined value of about €200m and cover key elements of the new terminal, including the building's sub and superstructure, steelwork and exterior walls and roof" - said DAA Chief Executive, Declan Collier.
On behalf of the DAA Board, the Chairman, Gary McGann welcomed An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant permission for T2 and, separately, for the new runway that will be required at Dublin Airport within the next five years. "It is patently clear to all reasonable observers that Dublin Airport urgently needs significant additional capacity, appropriate to a capital city airport and one of the busiest and fastest-growing such facilities in Europe.
"The Government has directed that T2 be built as quickly as the planning system allowed and the costs of the development have been independently assessed and affirmed. The business and tourism communities have given their strong support for it and passengers are looking forward to the space, comfort and additional choice of services that it will provide.
"In this context, the Board of the DAA is pleased to be in a position to approve commencement of one of the most important infrastructural projects in the history of the State and one that will secure Dublin Airport's position as the key gateway to the island of Ireland for decades to come.
"With the best interests of all Dublin Airport's customers in mind, the Board also hopes the construction timeline for T2 and related facilities is not subject to vexatious legal challenges and the threat of further unnecessary delays" - Mr McGann added.
Following the recent decision by by An Bord Pleanála, the DAA plans to begin initial site work for T2 in the first week of October, subject to agreement with the relevant statutory authorities. "The contracts approved, have a combined value of about €200m and cover key elements of the new terminal, including the building's sub and superstructure, steelwork and exterior walls and roof" - said DAA Chief Executive, Declan Collier.
On behalf of the DAA Board, the Chairman, Gary McGann welcomed An Bord Pleanála's decision to grant permission for T2 and, separately, for the new runway that will be required at Dublin Airport within the next five years. "It is patently clear to all reasonable observers that Dublin Airport urgently needs significant additional capacity, appropriate to a capital city airport and one of the busiest and fastest-growing such facilities in Europe.
"The Government has directed that T2 be built as quickly as the planning system allowed and the costs of the development have been independently assessed and affirmed. The business and tourism communities have given their strong support for it and passengers are looking forward to the space, comfort and additional choice of services that it will provide.
"In this context, the Board of the DAA is pleased to be in a position to approve commencement of one of the most important infrastructural projects in the history of the State and one that will secure Dublin Airport's position as the key gateway to the island of Ireland for decades to come.
"With the best interests of all Dublin Airport's customers in mind, the Board also hopes the construction timeline for T2 and related facilities is not subject to vexatious legal challenges and the threat of further unnecessary delays" - Mr McGann added.
Car users challenged to take One Small Step
Car users in Dublin and surrounding counties have been challenged not to use their cars for at least some journeys every week - including local trips, school runs, convenience shopping and driving to work.
Congestion will continue to increase unless Dubliners start using public transport and walking or cycling more, according to the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO).
The DTO has launched the One Small Step initiative, which asks everyone to consider walking, cycling or using public transport where possible, for at least some trips each week.
New DTO research in Dublin and the Leinster counties shows -
* 52% of people said the car was their most often used way of getting around.
* 26% - or 1 in-4-people - think only of their car for all trips.
* 40% of car owners don't consider any travel options other than the car.
* 27% of all respondents said the car is preferable for short journeys of a mile or less.
* Half of all car owners (47%) take their car on these short journeys.
* 55% of short journey car-users said they were unlikely to consider walking instead.
* Only 3% of these short journey car-users said they were very likely to consider walking for short journeys of a mile or less, instead of using the car.
One Small Step
One Small Step is a significant public information campaign. It asks car drivers in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) the question - 'Did you need your car today?' - to encourage them to examine their car usage patterns and think about using other ways of getting around - such as walking, cycling or public transport - whenever they can. The campaign targets car drivers specifically through radio, billboard and bus advertising, media relations, an information website (www.onesmallstep.ie) and a schools programme.
A number of large public and private sector organisations are supporting the aims of this initiative. They include -
* Irish Life & Permanent plc
* AIB
* Vodafone
* the Dublin Airport Authority
* UCD
* RTE
* Department of Transport and Maritime Affairs
* Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government - and
* Department of Health and Children.
These organisations are introducing workplace travel planning as part of their ongoing corporate sustainability initiatives. Several of these will also pilot a specially developed online lift sharing system with the DTO.
DTO Director/Chief Executive, John Henry commented - "We're asking drivers to reduce car usage where and whenever possible and to use alternative transport, as appropriate. Where there are alternatives available - whether that's public transport or taking a fifteen or twenty-minute walk or cycle - then people should consider these options for at least some trips every week.
"As well as the health benefits - and the reduction in their carbon footprint - car users who make this small change, will, ultimately, make a big difference.
"If everyone left their car behind for just one trip each week, there would be 200,000 fewer car trips every day in the Greater Dublin Area - less traffic and less pollution. We are urging all car users to give this their serious consideration, in their own and everyone else's interests.
"People should reconsider their car usage in terms of their personal health, environmental sustainability, tackling traffic congestion and enhancing the overall quality of life that they expect to have in the future. This is not just about commuting, it applies to every aspect of car usage, including local trips.
"Nobody is telling motorists to stop using their cars altogether - but, what we have to realise is that it is not sustainable for us, as individuals, to continually increase car usage year after year. Changing driving habits can be hard - but, ultimately, people and the region will suffer unless we start to incorporate walking, cycling and public transport into at least some of our trips.
"The Government's Transport 21 investment plan delivers much-needed infrastructure to the Greater Dublin Area, but no amount of new roads or infrastructure is going to cope with that increasing travel demand, unless we see some change in travel habits.
"While car habits are notoriously difficult to change, the DTO's survey showed some room for optimism. Forty per cent of people stated that there is some opportunity for them to reduce car usage in the future and we now want that converted into action" - Mr. Henry concluded.
The Dublin Transportation Office was established in 1995 to co-ordinate the implementation by the relevant agencies of an agreed integrated transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, namely - The Dublin Transportation Initiative - which was adopted as Government policy in 1994.
Millward Brown IMS carried out a quantitative survey for the DTO on its end-May/early-June Omnibus Survey. The achieved sample size was 542 adults aged 15+ and was representative of the Dublin and rest of Leinster population.
Congestion will continue to increase unless Dubliners start using public transport and walking or cycling more, according to the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO).
The DTO has launched the One Small Step initiative, which asks everyone to consider walking, cycling or using public transport where possible, for at least some trips each week.
New DTO research in Dublin and the Leinster counties shows -
* 52% of people said the car was their most often used way of getting around.
* 26% - or 1 in-4-people - think only of their car for all trips.
* 40% of car owners don't consider any travel options other than the car.
* 27% of all respondents said the car is preferable for short journeys of a mile or less.
* Half of all car owners (47%) take their car on these short journeys.
* 55% of short journey car-users said they were unlikely to consider walking instead.
* Only 3% of these short journey car-users said they were very likely to consider walking for short journeys of a mile or less, instead of using the car.
One Small Step
One Small Step is a significant public information campaign. It asks car drivers in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) the question - 'Did you need your car today?' - to encourage them to examine their car usage patterns and think about using other ways of getting around - such as walking, cycling or public transport - whenever they can. The campaign targets car drivers specifically through radio, billboard and bus advertising, media relations, an information website (www.onesmallstep.ie) and a schools programme.
A number of large public and private sector organisations are supporting the aims of this initiative. They include -
* Irish Life & Permanent plc
* AIB
* Vodafone
* the Dublin Airport Authority
* UCD
* RTE
* Department of Transport and Maritime Affairs
* Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government - and
* Department of Health and Children.
These organisations are introducing workplace travel planning as part of their ongoing corporate sustainability initiatives. Several of these will also pilot a specially developed online lift sharing system with the DTO.
DTO Director/Chief Executive, John Henry commented - "We're asking drivers to reduce car usage where and whenever possible and to use alternative transport, as appropriate. Where there are alternatives available - whether that's public transport or taking a fifteen or twenty-minute walk or cycle - then people should consider these options for at least some trips every week.
"As well as the health benefits - and the reduction in their carbon footprint - car users who make this small change, will, ultimately, make a big difference.
"If everyone left their car behind for just one trip each week, there would be 200,000 fewer car trips every day in the Greater Dublin Area - less traffic and less pollution. We are urging all car users to give this their serious consideration, in their own and everyone else's interests.
"People should reconsider their car usage in terms of their personal health, environmental sustainability, tackling traffic congestion and enhancing the overall quality of life that they expect to have in the future. This is not just about commuting, it applies to every aspect of car usage, including local trips.
"Nobody is telling motorists to stop using their cars altogether - but, what we have to realise is that it is not sustainable for us, as individuals, to continually increase car usage year after year. Changing driving habits can be hard - but, ultimately, people and the region will suffer unless we start to incorporate walking, cycling and public transport into at least some of our trips.
"The Government's Transport 21 investment plan delivers much-needed infrastructure to the Greater Dublin Area, but no amount of new roads or infrastructure is going to cope with that increasing travel demand, unless we see some change in travel habits.
"While car habits are notoriously difficult to change, the DTO's survey showed some room for optimism. Forty per cent of people stated that there is some opportunity for them to reduce car usage in the future and we now want that converted into action" - Mr. Henry concluded.
The Dublin Transportation Office was established in 1995 to co-ordinate the implementation by the relevant agencies of an agreed integrated transport strategy for the Greater Dublin Area, namely - The Dublin Transportation Initiative - which was adopted as Government policy in 1994.
Millward Brown IMS carried out a quantitative survey for the DTO on its end-May/early-June Omnibus Survey. The achieved sample size was 542 adults aged 15+ and was representative of the Dublin and rest of Leinster population.
Major developers stung with €100,000 planning levy
THE cost of the Metro, new Luas lines, motorways and all main roads and rail lines are each going up by €100,000.
State transport and infrastructure agencies as well as private developers are being hit with a new €100,000 planning fee under the Government's new fast-track system, it will be announced today.
The fee will affect every new motorway, road section, Metro, Luas or power plant project, many of which are about to be submitted for approval.
Until now there was no fee to have a major infrastructure dealt with by An Bord Pleanala under the new Strategic Infrastructure Development process.
Under this arrangement, all major infrastructure projects are sent directly to the board for consideration, bypassing the local authority planning system.
Pipeline
The new fees being announced today by An Bord Pleanala will add €100,000 to the cost of every major infrastructure project, including new heavy and light rail, incinerators, road by-passes, large onshore and offshore windfarms, gas pipelines, high voltage electricity lines, and all new power stations.
Dozens of these projects are in the pipeline, including two Metro lines, seven new Luas lines and scores of major new roads.
The board said the €100,000 would be used to offset any costs involved in determining the planning application.
The cost of these major infrastructure projects ranges from several hundred million euro to billions in the case of the Metro from Dublin city centre to the airport.
Members of the public who want to object to major infrastructure projects on planning or environmental grounds will have to pay a brand new fee of €50 in future.
Developers who are refused permission to retain unauthorised illegal development by local authorities and appeal to Bord Pleanala will have to pay a €4,500 fee, up from €1,900.
Impact
This charge rises to €9,000 if the board has to carry out an environment impact study.
General third-party appeals by members of the public against developments go up from €210 to €220.
The new charges take effect from December 10.
Applications for strategic infrastructure development must, since January, be made directly to the board.
An Bord Pleanala said these applications would cost developers €100,000 but this fee would be offset against any costs charged by the board for determining the case. There would also be provision for a part refund of the fee in certain cases where the project is small.
The board said a fee of €50 would be charged to make submissions and observations by members of the public relating to planning and environmental issues.
It is the policy of the board to direct an oral hearing in significant strategic infrastructure development cases, the statement added.
"As regards normal planning appeals, the fees for making an appeal by the developer relating to commercial development or where an environmental impact statement (EIS) is involved will increase significantly," the authority said.
"However, first-party appeals relating to small developments, eg single houses, and all third-party appeals by members of the public will increase by less than inflation since fees were last revised in February 2005," it added.
Irish Independent
State transport and infrastructure agencies as well as private developers are being hit with a new €100,000 planning fee under the Government's new fast-track system, it will be announced today.
The fee will affect every new motorway, road section, Metro, Luas or power plant project, many of which are about to be submitted for approval.
Until now there was no fee to have a major infrastructure dealt with by An Bord Pleanala under the new Strategic Infrastructure Development process.
Under this arrangement, all major infrastructure projects are sent directly to the board for consideration, bypassing the local authority planning system.
Pipeline
The new fees being announced today by An Bord Pleanala will add €100,000 to the cost of every major infrastructure project, including new heavy and light rail, incinerators, road by-passes, large onshore and offshore windfarms, gas pipelines, high voltage electricity lines, and all new power stations.
Dozens of these projects are in the pipeline, including two Metro lines, seven new Luas lines and scores of major new roads.
The board said the €100,000 would be used to offset any costs involved in determining the planning application.
The cost of these major infrastructure projects ranges from several hundred million euro to billions in the case of the Metro from Dublin city centre to the airport.
Members of the public who want to object to major infrastructure projects on planning or environmental grounds will have to pay a brand new fee of €50 in future.
Developers who are refused permission to retain unauthorised illegal development by local authorities and appeal to Bord Pleanala will have to pay a €4,500 fee, up from €1,900.
Impact
This charge rises to €9,000 if the board has to carry out an environment impact study.
General third-party appeals by members of the public against developments go up from €210 to €220.
The new charges take effect from December 10.
Applications for strategic infrastructure development must, since January, be made directly to the board.
An Bord Pleanala said these applications would cost developers €100,000 but this fee would be offset against any costs charged by the board for determining the case. There would also be provision for a part refund of the fee in certain cases where the project is small.
The board said a fee of €50 would be charged to make submissions and observations by members of the public relating to planning and environmental issues.
It is the policy of the board to direct an oral hearing in significant strategic infrastructure development cases, the statement added.
"As regards normal planning appeals, the fees for making an appeal by the developer relating to commercial development or where an environmental impact statement (EIS) is involved will increase significantly," the authority said.
"However, first-party appeals relating to small developments, eg single houses, and all third-party appeals by members of the public will increase by less than inflation since fees were last revised in February 2005," it added.
Irish Independent
Landowner sought after Travellers move onto site
OFFICIALS were last night trying to track down a developer who is believed to have allowed Travellers move onto a site at the centre of a bitter planning row.
Senior planning enforcement officers from Cork City Council also inspected the former Induchem site on the Boreenmanna Road as efforts to resolve the situation stepped up.
The Travellers moved onto the site last Thursday just days after residents lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against a planning application for the site.
The Freeland Partnership applied to the council last December for permission to level the former chemical storage site, and build a neighbourhood centre including apartments and shops.
Several objections were lodged but the project was finally given the green light, with conditions.
Residents appealed that decision to the board last week, however, delaying the project until January.
Within days, the Travellers who were originally camped in the Centre Park Road area of the city had moved on to the site. They said they have the permission of the landowner to be there.
Gardaí in Blackrock said the landowner has also confirmed to them that the Travellers have his permission to be on the site, rendering them powerless to act.
The man behind the Freeland Partnership, Carrigaline-based developer, Barry O’Donovan, who is understood to be abroad, could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
Green Party Councillor Chris O’Leary said the situation was “simply unacceptable”.
A spokesperson for the city’s planning department said they have yet to make contact with the landowner to establish the full facts of the situation.
“In a normal situation, if Travellers moved onto land illegally they could be moved on,” he said.
“But we don’t have the full information on the precise situation here yet.”
The appropriate action will be taken pending the outcome of their investigations, he said.
Irish Examiner
Senior planning enforcement officers from Cork City Council also inspected the former Induchem site on the Boreenmanna Road as efforts to resolve the situation stepped up.
The Travellers moved onto the site last Thursday just days after residents lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against a planning application for the site.
The Freeland Partnership applied to the council last December for permission to level the former chemical storage site, and build a neighbourhood centre including apartments and shops.
Several objections were lodged but the project was finally given the green light, with conditions.
Residents appealed that decision to the board last week, however, delaying the project until January.
Within days, the Travellers who were originally camped in the Centre Park Road area of the city had moved on to the site. They said they have the permission of the landowner to be there.
Gardaí in Blackrock said the landowner has also confirmed to them that the Travellers have his permission to be on the site, rendering them powerless to act.
The man behind the Freeland Partnership, Carrigaline-based developer, Barry O’Donovan, who is understood to be abroad, could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
Green Party Councillor Chris O’Leary said the situation was “simply unacceptable”.
A spokesperson for the city’s planning department said they have yet to make contact with the landowner to establish the full facts of the situation.
“In a normal situation, if Travellers moved onto land illegally they could be moved on,” he said.
“But we don’t have the full information on the precise situation here yet.”
The appropriate action will be taken pending the outcome of their investigations, he said.
Irish Examiner
€15m manor attracts interest
IT’S the sort of secluded pad that could be converted into an idyllic private residence for a mega-rich individual.
But, the likelihood is that Kenmare Manor and its 38 surrounding acres will be purchased by somebody interested in further developing a precious bit of real estate as a top-notch hotel, spa and leisure centre.
A number of potential foreign customers are showing an interest in purchasing the property, which is estimated to fetch about €15 million.
Kenmare Manor is the third hotel property to come on the market in Kerry in recent times, following the sale of Great Southern Hotels in Killarney and Parknasilla.
“We’re seeing a lot of interest in the property and have had calls from throughout Ireland and further afield, including the UK,” said Tom Crowley, of Tom Spillane’s auctioneering firm, in Killarney yesterday.
Despite, the slowdown in the property market nationally, Kenmare is apparently holding its own.
A brake on virtually all development in Kenmare — applied by Kerry County Council until an adequate public water supply is provided — is enhancing the value of existing property, auctioneers say.
Kenmare Manor is to be sold by tender, with bids to be submitted by October 4.
Irish Examiner
But, the likelihood is that Kenmare Manor and its 38 surrounding acres will be purchased by somebody interested in further developing a precious bit of real estate as a top-notch hotel, spa and leisure centre.
A number of potential foreign customers are showing an interest in purchasing the property, which is estimated to fetch about €15 million.
Kenmare Manor is the third hotel property to come on the market in Kerry in recent times, following the sale of Great Southern Hotels in Killarney and Parknasilla.
“We’re seeing a lot of interest in the property and have had calls from throughout Ireland and further afield, including the UK,” said Tom Crowley, of Tom Spillane’s auctioneering firm, in Killarney yesterday.
Despite, the slowdown in the property market nationally, Kenmare is apparently holding its own.
A brake on virtually all development in Kenmare — applied by Kerry County Council until an adequate public water supply is provided — is enhancing the value of existing property, auctioneers say.
Kenmare Manor is to be sold by tender, with bids to be submitted by October 4.
Irish Examiner
Monday, 10 September 2007
Limerick planning and regeneration
ON the first anniversary of a firebomb attack in Limerick, which left a young brother and sister badly injured, two regeneration agencies set up in the wake of the horrific incident will open their doors for the first time today.
Millie Murray, 6, and her brother Gavin, 4, sustained extensive burn injuries when a firebomb was thrown into the car in which they were sitting in Moyross in September 2006. Two 17-year-olds later pleaded guilty to their role in the arson attack.
The incident caused uproar nationwide and as a result the Government commissioned former Dublin city manager John Fitzgerald to report on how to tackle the economic and social problems in Moyross.
Mr Fitzgerald recommended that two separate regeneration agencies be set up in the northside and southside of Limerick to drive social and economic regeneration and that 100 extra gardaí be recruited to tackle crime.
The two state regeneration agencies were set up in Moyross and Southill in June with Mr Fitzgerald as joint chairman and former Dublin city manager Brendan Kenny as chief executive of both agencies. Over the summer, 14 full-time staff were recruited and today they open for business.
“We have no grand master plans, we want to develop them in a bottom-up consultation approach with the local communities in Southill and Moyross,” said Mr Kenny.
Regeneration committees will be set up in both areas with representatives from the local residents, all the community groups, public representatives and representatives from relevant state agencies.
“We will ask them for ideas on what kind of community they want to live in 10 years from now and what kind of a life they want for their children in the future,” said Mr Kenny.
He said no surprises would be imposed on the people of Moyross or Southill.
“We will not bring in highly paid professional consultants to produce a master plan — we want this to be produced from the bottom up.
“We want to get a vision of how the people who have been through this mess want their areas to develop,” said Mr Kenny.
It is hoped that the Vision for the Future for both areas will be produced by Christmas. This will be given to consultants to produce master plans for physical, social and economic regeneration by June 2008.
Among the measures being considered is demolition, something which Mr Kenny said he favoured for both areas. “We will ask the people what they think of that — everyone will get a modern state-of-the-art home,” he added.
“The private purchase of houses will be encouraged — we want a better mix of houses with dozens of smaller estates with shops and facilities around them.”
He said they would have costed master plans by June 2008 and they hoped to have the first houses built by June 2009.
Irish Examiner
Millie Murray, 6, and her brother Gavin, 4, sustained extensive burn injuries when a firebomb was thrown into the car in which they were sitting in Moyross in September 2006. Two 17-year-olds later pleaded guilty to their role in the arson attack.
The incident caused uproar nationwide and as a result the Government commissioned former Dublin city manager John Fitzgerald to report on how to tackle the economic and social problems in Moyross.
Mr Fitzgerald recommended that two separate regeneration agencies be set up in the northside and southside of Limerick to drive social and economic regeneration and that 100 extra gardaí be recruited to tackle crime.
The two state regeneration agencies were set up in Moyross and Southill in June with Mr Fitzgerald as joint chairman and former Dublin city manager Brendan Kenny as chief executive of both agencies. Over the summer, 14 full-time staff were recruited and today they open for business.
“We have no grand master plans, we want to develop them in a bottom-up consultation approach with the local communities in Southill and Moyross,” said Mr Kenny.
Regeneration committees will be set up in both areas with representatives from the local residents, all the community groups, public representatives and representatives from relevant state agencies.
“We will ask them for ideas on what kind of community they want to live in 10 years from now and what kind of a life they want for their children in the future,” said Mr Kenny.
He said no surprises would be imposed on the people of Moyross or Southill.
“We will not bring in highly paid professional consultants to produce a master plan — we want this to be produced from the bottom up.
“We want to get a vision of how the people who have been through this mess want their areas to develop,” said Mr Kenny.
It is hoped that the Vision for the Future for both areas will be produced by Christmas. This will be given to consultants to produce master plans for physical, social and economic regeneration by June 2008.
Among the measures being considered is demolition, something which Mr Kenny said he favoured for both areas. “We will ask the people what they think of that — everyone will get a modern state-of-the-art home,” he added.
“The private purchase of houses will be encouraged — we want a better mix of houses with dozens of smaller estates with shops and facilities around them.”
He said they would have costed master plans by June 2008 and they hoped to have the first houses built by June 2009.
Irish Examiner
Avoca is Ireland's filthiest river
It should be the jewel in the crown of the Garden of Ireland -- but Wicklow's main river is the filthiest in the country.
The Avoca, which runs through Arklow in County Wicklow, has been named by both the Environmental Protection Agency and members of the Garda Diving Unit as the most polluted in Ireland.
The lack of a sewage system means that the waste of the Arklow's 12,000 inhabitants is being pumped into the river.
A site for a proposed sewage treatment plant has been identified at Seabank in Arklow. However, it is the subject of an ongoing high court battle.
In the meantime, faeces and toilet paper can be seen floating in the water. The river is also still being polluted from the disused Avoca mines.
Independent councillor Peter Dempsey has launched a campaign to clean up the Avoca, placing placards on the river bed and collecting 8,000 signatures on a petition.
Cllr Dempsey says it is incredible that all the sewage is going straight into the river, considering Wicklow is former Environment minister Dick Roche's constituency.
He said: "He should be shot with a ball of sh**e. Wicklow people won't forget this."
The Department of the Environment said the Arklow Main Draining Scheme has been approved for funding, and will go ahead whenever the court approves it.
Spokesperson John Whelan said: "There is an urgent need for waste-water treatment facilities in the Arklow area, to meet EU and national regulations.
"However, the location of a plant is the subject of ongoing proceedings in the High Court. The reserved judgement is expected in October."
Irish Independent
The Avoca, which runs through Arklow in County Wicklow, has been named by both the Environmental Protection Agency and members of the Garda Diving Unit as the most polluted in Ireland.
The lack of a sewage system means that the waste of the Arklow's 12,000 inhabitants is being pumped into the river.
A site for a proposed sewage treatment plant has been identified at Seabank in Arklow. However, it is the subject of an ongoing high court battle.
In the meantime, faeces and toilet paper can be seen floating in the water. The river is also still being polluted from the disused Avoca mines.
Independent councillor Peter Dempsey has launched a campaign to clean up the Avoca, placing placards on the river bed and collecting 8,000 signatures on a petition.
Cllr Dempsey says it is incredible that all the sewage is going straight into the river, considering Wicklow is former Environment minister Dick Roche's constituency.
He said: "He should be shot with a ball of sh**e. Wicklow people won't forget this."
The Department of the Environment said the Arklow Main Draining Scheme has been approved for funding, and will go ahead whenever the court approves it.
Spokesperson John Whelan said: "There is an urgent need for waste-water treatment facilities in the Arklow area, to meet EU and national regulations.
"However, the location of a plant is the subject of ongoing proceedings in the High Court. The reserved judgement is expected in October."
Irish Independent
State eyes up €40m Ardmore Studios buyout
ARTS Minister Seamus Brennan is understood to be considering buying out Ireland's only film studio -- Ardmore Studios -- from U2 manager Paul McGuinness and Ossie Kilkenny.
In the last week, Brennan has instructed civil servants in his Department to examine "all options" concerning Ardmore. This includes the possibility of buying out the owners of the studio.
The 20-acre site in Bray, Co Wicklow, is thought to be worth over €40m.
The State already holds a 32 per cent stake in the studio through Enterprise Ireland, which took equity in the facility some years ago. McGuinness and accountant Kilkenny own the rest.
It is believed that a number of options will be considered for the studio. Officials have looked at the possibility of building a brand new "greenfield" studio or redeveloping and refurbishing the existing facilities in Bray.
It is thought that funding for a major investment to buy or refurbish the studio is available under the National Development Plan.
Ardmore lost money last year during a production downturn. It received State funding as a result.
However, a busier filming schedule, including bodice ripping historical mini-series The Tudors is thought to have boosted the studio's finances this year.
Brennan is set to meet with officials from the Irish Film Board over the coming days.
The new Arts Minister has committed his Department to reinvigorating the Irish film industry which suffered a slowdown since the peaks of the 1990s, when such blockbusters as Saving Private Ryan and Braveheart were filmed here.
Along with the Ardmore situation, Brennan also faces a decision of extending the Section 481 tax break.
Indecon economic consultants are expected to hand over a report on the tax relief to the Department shortly.
Industry players are hoping that the tax break will be improved to make Ireland more attractive as a centre of movie-making excellence to attract Hollywood studios and other major film producers.
Irish Independent
In the last week, Brennan has instructed civil servants in his Department to examine "all options" concerning Ardmore. This includes the possibility of buying out the owners of the studio.
The 20-acre site in Bray, Co Wicklow, is thought to be worth over €40m.
The State already holds a 32 per cent stake in the studio through Enterprise Ireland, which took equity in the facility some years ago. McGuinness and accountant Kilkenny own the rest.
It is believed that a number of options will be considered for the studio. Officials have looked at the possibility of building a brand new "greenfield" studio or redeveloping and refurbishing the existing facilities in Bray.
It is thought that funding for a major investment to buy or refurbish the studio is available under the National Development Plan.
Ardmore lost money last year during a production downturn. It received State funding as a result.
However, a busier filming schedule, including bodice ripping historical mini-series The Tudors is thought to have boosted the studio's finances this year.
Brennan is set to meet with officials from the Irish Film Board over the coming days.
The new Arts Minister has committed his Department to reinvigorating the Irish film industry which suffered a slowdown since the peaks of the 1990s, when such blockbusters as Saving Private Ryan and Braveheart were filmed here.
Along with the Ardmore situation, Brennan also faces a decision of extending the Section 481 tax break.
Indecon economic consultants are expected to hand over a report on the tax relief to the Department shortly.
Industry players are hoping that the tax break will be improved to make Ireland more attractive as a centre of movie-making excellence to attract Hollywood studios and other major film producers.
Irish Independent
Friday, 7 September 2007
Ballina Local Planning Objections - Fear of Retaliation
Residents feel that they cannot lodge a planning objection to any ‘Council sponsored' projects without facing ‘punishment' down the road. Hence, they contact groups and agencies from outside the county to submit objections on their behalf. This is the feedback from quite a number of people to an article published in last week's Mayo Echo, in which Ballina Councillor Michelle Mulherin questioned the motivation behind the latest objection to An Bord Pleanala regarding the Ballina Pedestrian Bridge project by Peter Sweetman.
One elderly Ballina businesswoman explained it well, "Over the years, it has become common knowledge that if you cause trouble with the council, they will cause trouble with you. You will have difficulty getting planning permission, you mightn't get commercial contracts, and your children will be wasting their time applying for jobs in the council.
Residents feel that they cannot lodge a planning objection to any ‘Council sponsored' projects without facing ‘punishment' down the road. Hence, they contact groups and agencies from outside the county to submit objections on their behalf. This is the feedback from quite a number of people to an article published in last week's Mayo Echo, in which Ballina Councillor Michelle Mulherin questioned the motivation behind the latest objection to An Bord Pleanala regarding the Ballina Pedestrian Bridge project by Peter Sweetman.
One elderly Ballina businesswoman explained it well, "Over the years, it has become common knowledge that if you cause trouble with the council, they will cause trouble with you. You will have difficulty getting planning permission, you mightn't get commercial contracts, and your children will be wasting their time applying for jobs in the council. The council are the biggest employer in the county, and although there is plenty of work around now, a few years ago the position was entirely different. A job in the council was seen as a safe number, but you needed a bit of pull to get in there."
Indeed, in 2006, Castlebar businessman and County Councillor, Paddy McGuinness alleged that a ‘personal vendetta' against a planning applicant had resulted in the application being turned down. Although it was reported later that Cllr. McGuinness had withdrawn the allegation, few people were surprised that such a thing might occur, they were just surprised that someone had the gumption to voice the allegation. The fear of discrimination lasts to this day. All of those who contacted this paper did so on condition of anonymity. One Ballina resident has put together a reply to Cllr. Mulherin's allegations which we publish in full this week.
Dear Editor,
I was saddened and angered to see an article in last week's edition of your paper entitled "Mulherin Accuses Environmentalist of Abusing the Planning System". In the article Cllr Michelle Mulherin, of Ballina Town Council attacked a Mr. Peter Sweetman, for having lodged an objection with An Bord Pleanála that may further delay the construction of a foot bridge across the River Moy. In the article she speaks about "democracy" "consultation" and "environment". This reader's definition and understanding of these words is very different from Cllr. Mulherin's understanding of them. I would like to deal with each of these words in turn.
"Democracy" : I believe Cllr. Mulherin's criticisms are reminiscent of a spoilt child throwing all of her toys out of the pram because thus far she has failed to get her own way. The councillor needs reminding that the right of objection and protest are the very cornerstone upon which any democracy is founded. Remove this facility from the public and we endanger the very fabric of society - in this instance the word dictatorship comes to mind. Just look at the proposed Canalside car park fiasco which is connected to the issue of the foot bridge in the An Bord Pleanála report. As a result of public protest a decision was made on the 20th of July 2006 by a majority of Councillors not to proceed with the destruction of this green river bank area. Did Cllr Mulhern, as a believer in democracy feel compelled to defend this democratic vote? Why no, she welcomed the reversal of the decision when the issue was undemocratically brought back on to the table for a second vote on January 18th 2007.
As a resident of the town I have often heard the complaint expressed that the people of Ballina are not bothered or don't take enough interest in their own town. In this instance they did take an interest. Ballina Town Council received a total of 181 submissions on the issue of which only 31 were favourable to a car park while a staggering 150 submissions expressed the wish to see this unspoilt area enhanced as an amenity for the public. Did this democratic expression of interest carry any weight in the council chamber or with Cllr Mulherin? Sadly the answer is no!
Consultation : Cllr. Mulherin's understanding of the word consultation is very different to mine. Let's look at the "consultation and compromise" process that took place in relation to the proposed foot bridge. She mentions three groups as stakeholders; The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, The Ballina Salmon Anglers Association and The National Parks and Wildlife Service. Firstly I believe that the Ballina Salmon Anglers were "facilitated" in their objection for no other reason than fear. If the anglers were ignored there was the potential for a mass protest inclusive of both the angling community in Ballina and from much further afield. This protest would have included the submission of a public petition which risked drawing too much negative public attention on the council and their activities. The Council's facilitation of the anglers was a matter of convenience and nothing more. While The North Western Fisheries Board had no outright objection, there were however preconditions. This government agency took the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" attitude in that as a pre-condition of not objecting, the council would agree the re- turn of property which they had previously taken from the NWR Fisheries Board by way of Compulsory Purchase Order.
Now let's look at the consultation process which took place with the National Parks and Wildlife Service or lack of, to be more precise. The evidence is damning. It would be an understatement to say that I believe the National Parks and Wildlife Service must be incensed by the behaviour of the Ballina Town Council. Here is what they had to say about the consultation process "contrary to the arrangements that this Department has with all planning authorities whereby planning applications that may have an impact on the natural heritage are referred to the Department's local wildlife staff as well as to this Unit, this application was not referred to the Department's local wildlife staff". Their representative goes on to say "I would be grateful if the Council could defer making a decision on this planning application until this Department is able to submit its nature conservation comments to you". This request was met with stunning arrogance in the council chamber as they chose to ignore this call and proceed with a vote just two days after the letter arrived! This is not the only instance when the National Parks and Wildlife Service had cause to express serious concern.
Here is what they had to say about the Council's consultation on the issue of the proposed Canalside car park "The National Parks and Wildlife Service of this Department were not consulted initially - - NPWS should have been sent the papers for comment -- rather than in an ad hoc manner, as was the case, a few days before the council meeting where the development was due to be voted on. The appropriate mechanisms for consultation were not followed in this instance". One wonders how this equates to Cllr Mulherin's statement in last week's edition of the paper when she said "consideration of environmental matters are part and parcel of the Council's routine deliberations on all developments". If this is what Cllr. Mulherin considers to be the definition of consultation and environmental consideration there is something seriously wrong!
This leads me to comment on the Cllr.'s initial statement "Abuse of the planning system". Just who is abusing the planning system I ask? When the private citizen of this town is put to the pin of their collar to abide by planning and development regulation, should we expect anything less from our local authority and those elected to it?
Environment : The River Moy has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation by the European Union primarily because it is a freshwater salmonoid river. Its importance is not just national it's European. The most significant part of this river is to be found flowing through Ballina. It's called the "Ridge Pool" this tiny stretch of water is possibly the single most lucrative piece of salmon fishery in Western Europe. Approximately a third of the annual recorded catch of salmon taken from the whole length of the River Moy comes from this tiny location. I applaud anyone native or outsider who has the interest of our river at heart. It seems utterly ridiculous to endanger in any way this priceless amenity and source of tourism revenue, every attention should be paid to the environmental objection.
The pedestrian footbridge was conceived as a grandiose entrance to a proposed Arts Centre and Theatre the funding for which has presently fallen through. Are we serious in wanting to spend over 1 million euros on a bridge that gets no one anywhere any faster? In my opinion the idea of a pedestrian bridge has great merit - it's just in the wrong place. If this bridge were to span the river at the Ballina town park on the Sligo Rd. it would serve as a much-needed connection between some of the towns outstanding amenities. It would provide people in the Ardnaree, Bunree, Sligo Rd. and Riverslade area with direct pedestrian access to the Ballina athletic track, the Ballina soccer pitch and the beautiful amenity of Beleek Woods, likewise it would provide the residents of Bachelor's Walk, Castle Rd, Castle Court and the Beleek area with easy pedestrian access to the beautiful town park. It would greatly shorten the distance travelled by residents in both these areas when the want to access the amenities on the opposite riverbank. Importantly it would also mean that there was less danger to the ecology of the riverbed during construction as this is a tidal area and not a freshwater section of river. In conclusion I wish to state that I have no connection
to Mr. Peter Sweetman but support and applaud him. By no means are his actions "tedious and technical" in fact An Bord Pleanála recently upheld one of his objections relating to the proposed decentralisation of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to a location at Knock Airport, because Mayo County Council had broke so many planning regulations and codes in relation to granting permission. This issue has resolved itsself in that now the offices will be located at Charlestown, a move that even Minister O'Cuiv has said in a radio interview, was in hindsight probably the better option in the end. I believe that Cllr. Mulherin also holds a seat on Mayo County Council! I would like Cllr. Mulherin to understand that although, like many, I am weary of our council's behaviour I am not asleep to what goes on. Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes and give us open, accountable, and democratic local government. After all that is what the people of Ballina voted for.
Name and address with editor,
(for reasons outlined).
(c) Mayo Echo
One elderly Ballina businesswoman explained it well, "Over the years, it has become common knowledge that if you cause trouble with the council, they will cause trouble with you. You will have difficulty getting planning permission, you mightn't get commercial contracts, and your children will be wasting their time applying for jobs in the council.
Residents feel that they cannot lodge a planning objection to any ‘Council sponsored' projects without facing ‘punishment' down the road. Hence, they contact groups and agencies from outside the county to submit objections on their behalf. This is the feedback from quite a number of people to an article published in last week's Mayo Echo, in which Ballina Councillor Michelle Mulherin questioned the motivation behind the latest objection to An Bord Pleanala regarding the Ballina Pedestrian Bridge project by Peter Sweetman.
One elderly Ballina businesswoman explained it well, "Over the years, it has become common knowledge that if you cause trouble with the council, they will cause trouble with you. You will have difficulty getting planning permission, you mightn't get commercial contracts, and your children will be wasting their time applying for jobs in the council. The council are the biggest employer in the county, and although there is plenty of work around now, a few years ago the position was entirely different. A job in the council was seen as a safe number, but you needed a bit of pull to get in there."
Indeed, in 2006, Castlebar businessman and County Councillor, Paddy McGuinness alleged that a ‘personal vendetta' against a planning applicant had resulted in the application being turned down. Although it was reported later that Cllr. McGuinness had withdrawn the allegation, few people were surprised that such a thing might occur, they were just surprised that someone had the gumption to voice the allegation. The fear of discrimination lasts to this day. All of those who contacted this paper did so on condition of anonymity. One Ballina resident has put together a reply to Cllr. Mulherin's allegations which we publish in full this week.
Dear Editor,
I was saddened and angered to see an article in last week's edition of your paper entitled "Mulherin Accuses Environmentalist of Abusing the Planning System". In the article Cllr Michelle Mulherin, of Ballina Town Council attacked a Mr. Peter Sweetman, for having lodged an objection with An Bord Pleanála that may further delay the construction of a foot bridge across the River Moy. In the article she speaks about "democracy" "consultation" and "environment". This reader's definition and understanding of these words is very different from Cllr. Mulherin's understanding of them. I would like to deal with each of these words in turn.
"Democracy" : I believe Cllr. Mulherin's criticisms are reminiscent of a spoilt child throwing all of her toys out of the pram because thus far she has failed to get her own way. The councillor needs reminding that the right of objection and protest are the very cornerstone upon which any democracy is founded. Remove this facility from the public and we endanger the very fabric of society - in this instance the word dictatorship comes to mind. Just look at the proposed Canalside car park fiasco which is connected to the issue of the foot bridge in the An Bord Pleanála report. As a result of public protest a decision was made on the 20th of July 2006 by a majority of Councillors not to proceed with the destruction of this green river bank area. Did Cllr Mulhern, as a believer in democracy feel compelled to defend this democratic vote? Why no, she welcomed the reversal of the decision when the issue was undemocratically brought back on to the table for a second vote on January 18th 2007.
As a resident of the town I have often heard the complaint expressed that the people of Ballina are not bothered or don't take enough interest in their own town. In this instance they did take an interest. Ballina Town Council received a total of 181 submissions on the issue of which only 31 were favourable to a car park while a staggering 150 submissions expressed the wish to see this unspoilt area enhanced as an amenity for the public. Did this democratic expression of interest carry any weight in the council chamber or with Cllr Mulherin? Sadly the answer is no!
Consultation : Cllr. Mulherin's understanding of the word consultation is very different to mine. Let's look at the "consultation and compromise" process that took place in relation to the proposed foot bridge. She mentions three groups as stakeholders; The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, The Ballina Salmon Anglers Association and The National Parks and Wildlife Service. Firstly I believe that the Ballina Salmon Anglers were "facilitated" in their objection for no other reason than fear. If the anglers were ignored there was the potential for a mass protest inclusive of both the angling community in Ballina and from much further afield. This protest would have included the submission of a public petition which risked drawing too much negative public attention on the council and their activities. The Council's facilitation of the anglers was a matter of convenience and nothing more. While The North Western Fisheries Board had no outright objection, there were however preconditions. This government agency took the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" attitude in that as a pre-condition of not objecting, the council would agree the re- turn of property which they had previously taken from the NWR Fisheries Board by way of Compulsory Purchase Order.
Now let's look at the consultation process which took place with the National Parks and Wildlife Service or lack of, to be more precise. The evidence is damning. It would be an understatement to say that I believe the National Parks and Wildlife Service must be incensed by the behaviour of the Ballina Town Council. Here is what they had to say about the consultation process "contrary to the arrangements that this Department has with all planning authorities whereby planning applications that may have an impact on the natural heritage are referred to the Department's local wildlife staff as well as to this Unit, this application was not referred to the Department's local wildlife staff". Their representative goes on to say "I would be grateful if the Council could defer making a decision on this planning application until this Department is able to submit its nature conservation comments to you". This request was met with stunning arrogance in the council chamber as they chose to ignore this call and proceed with a vote just two days after the letter arrived! This is not the only instance when the National Parks and Wildlife Service had cause to express serious concern.
Here is what they had to say about the Council's consultation on the issue of the proposed Canalside car park "The National Parks and Wildlife Service of this Department were not consulted initially - - NPWS should have been sent the papers for comment -- rather than in an ad hoc manner, as was the case, a few days before the council meeting where the development was due to be voted on. The appropriate mechanisms for consultation were not followed in this instance". One wonders how this equates to Cllr Mulherin's statement in last week's edition of the paper when she said "consideration of environmental matters are part and parcel of the Council's routine deliberations on all developments". If this is what Cllr. Mulherin considers to be the definition of consultation and environmental consideration there is something seriously wrong!
This leads me to comment on the Cllr.'s initial statement "Abuse of the planning system". Just who is abusing the planning system I ask? When the private citizen of this town is put to the pin of their collar to abide by planning and development regulation, should we expect anything less from our local authority and those elected to it?
Environment : The River Moy has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation by the European Union primarily because it is a freshwater salmonoid river. Its importance is not just national it's European. The most significant part of this river is to be found flowing through Ballina. It's called the "Ridge Pool" this tiny stretch of water is possibly the single most lucrative piece of salmon fishery in Western Europe. Approximately a third of the annual recorded catch of salmon taken from the whole length of the River Moy comes from this tiny location. I applaud anyone native or outsider who has the interest of our river at heart. It seems utterly ridiculous to endanger in any way this priceless amenity and source of tourism revenue, every attention should be paid to the environmental objection.
The pedestrian footbridge was conceived as a grandiose entrance to a proposed Arts Centre and Theatre the funding for which has presently fallen through. Are we serious in wanting to spend over 1 million euros on a bridge that gets no one anywhere any faster? In my opinion the idea of a pedestrian bridge has great merit - it's just in the wrong place. If this bridge were to span the river at the Ballina town park on the Sligo Rd. it would serve as a much-needed connection between some of the towns outstanding amenities. It would provide people in the Ardnaree, Bunree, Sligo Rd. and Riverslade area with direct pedestrian access to the Ballina athletic track, the Ballina soccer pitch and the beautiful amenity of Beleek Woods, likewise it would provide the residents of Bachelor's Walk, Castle Rd, Castle Court and the Beleek area with easy pedestrian access to the beautiful town park. It would greatly shorten the distance travelled by residents in both these areas when the want to access the amenities on the opposite riverbank. Importantly it would also mean that there was less danger to the ecology of the riverbed during construction as this is a tidal area and not a freshwater section of river. In conclusion I wish to state that I have no connection
to Mr. Peter Sweetman but support and applaud him. By no means are his actions "tedious and technical" in fact An Bord Pleanála recently upheld one of his objections relating to the proposed decentralisation of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to a location at Knock Airport, because Mayo County Council had broke so many planning regulations and codes in relation to granting permission. This issue has resolved itsself in that now the offices will be located at Charlestown, a move that even Minister O'Cuiv has said in a radio interview, was in hindsight probably the better option in the end. I believe that Cllr. Mulherin also holds a seat on Mayo County Council! I would like Cllr. Mulherin to understand that although, like many, I am weary of our council's behaviour I am not asleep to what goes on. Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes and give us open, accountable, and democratic local government. After all that is what the people of Ballina voted for.
Name and address with editor,
(for reasons outlined).
(c) Mayo Echo
Knock zone is set to circumvent planning refusals
Mayo County Council is to begin the process of developing a strategic development zone (SDZ) around the Ireland West airport at Knock.
Local councillors have been asking council officials what can be done to prevent An Bord Pleanála refusing developments around the airport such as one by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. In June the board refused planning permission for the decentralised department office to be built on a site beside Knock airport.
The chief planning officer for Mayo County Council, Ian Douglas, has advised that "to avoid appeals of development to An Bord Pleanála, the most appropriate mechanism under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 is the establishment of a strategic development zone".
Mayo County Council is to begin the process of developing a strategic development zone (SDZ) around the Ireland West airport at Knock.
Local councillors have been asking council officials what can be done to prevent An Bord Pleanála refusing developments around the airport such as one by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
In June the board refused planning permission for the decentralised department office to be built on a site beside Knock airport.
The chief planning officer for Mayo County Council, Ian Douglas, has advised that "to avoid appeals of development to An Bord Pleanála, the most appropriate mechanism under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 is the establishment of a strategic development zone".
Mr Douglas explained: "Once the overall planning scheme for an SDZ has been approved by An Bord Pleanála, and planning applications comply with that scheme, there can be no appeal to An Bord Pleanála on that development."
Local Fine Gael councillor Joe Mellett has welcomed the suggestion.
"This proposal will go before a full meeting of Mayo County Council on Monday next and I'm sure it will be supported by elected councillors," Mr Mellett said. "The process could take up to 18 months to put in place, but it would be well worth it. While most people are happy that Minister Ó Cuív is now seeking a site in neighbouring Charlestown for the building of his new offices, nonetheless we are all anxious that no further development is hindered around Knock airport."
Teresa O'Malley
© 2007 The Irish Times
Local councillors have been asking council officials what can be done to prevent An Bord Pleanála refusing developments around the airport such as one by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. In June the board refused planning permission for the decentralised department office to be built on a site beside Knock airport.
The chief planning officer for Mayo County Council, Ian Douglas, has advised that "to avoid appeals of development to An Bord Pleanála, the most appropriate mechanism under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 is the establishment of a strategic development zone".
Mayo County Council is to begin the process of developing a strategic development zone (SDZ) around the Ireland West airport at Knock.
Local councillors have been asking council officials what can be done to prevent An Bord Pleanála refusing developments around the airport such as one by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
In June the board refused planning permission for the decentralised department office to be built on a site beside Knock airport.
The chief planning officer for Mayo County Council, Ian Douglas, has advised that "to avoid appeals of development to An Bord Pleanála, the most appropriate mechanism under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 is the establishment of a strategic development zone".
Mr Douglas explained: "Once the overall planning scheme for an SDZ has been approved by An Bord Pleanála, and planning applications comply with that scheme, there can be no appeal to An Bord Pleanála on that development."
Local Fine Gael councillor Joe Mellett has welcomed the suggestion.
"This proposal will go before a full meeting of Mayo County Council on Monday next and I'm sure it will be supported by elected councillors," Mr Mellett said. "The process could take up to 18 months to put in place, but it would be well worth it. While most people are happy that Minister Ó Cuív is now seeking a site in neighbouring Charlestown for the building of his new offices, nonetheless we are all anxious that no further development is hindered around Knock airport."
Teresa O'Malley
© 2007 The Irish Times
An Taisce: Developers guilty of illegal demolition must be punished
An Taisce has called on all local authorities to punish property developers who flour planning regulations by demolishing protected structures.
Dublin City Council has instructed a developer to rebuild a 19th century convent it illegally demolished. Ian Lumley, Heritage Officer at An Taisce, said: ‘Dublin City Council have led the way in this regard, we welcome their decision to instruct the developer in Terenure to rebuild and we would urge other local authorities to follow their example. There are concerns that some town councils around the country are not ordering developers to rebuild protected structures.
An Taisce has called on all local authorities to punish property developers who flour planning regulations by demolishing protected structures.
Dublin City Council has instructed a developer to rebuild a 19th century convent it illegally demolished. Ian Lumley, Heritage Officer at An Taisce, said: ‘Dublin City Council have led the way in this regard, we welcome their decision to instruct the developer in Terenure to rebuild and we would urge other local authorities to follow their example. There are concerns that some town councils around the country are not ordering developers to rebuild protected structures.
‘Local Authorities must send a very strong signal to the property development world that illegal demolition will not be rewarded.
Although the structure in Terenure will never be the same as it was, at least it sends out a signal that illegal demotion will not be tolerated.'
Mr. Lumley said developers all around the country were neglecting protected structure leaving them to decay and at risk of arson in order to secure planning permission to completely demolish the whole building.
‘The nature of redevelopment means the developer wants new apartments straight away rather than deal with delays caused by complex historical structures. There have been numerous cases where these buildings go on fire, which is well known to happen and usual the owner / developer is the last person to be unhappy about it', said Mr. Lumley.
Mr. Lumley's comments came as Dublin City Council continues to put pressure on developers Kimpton Vale and its principle Laurence Keegan to rebuild a 19th century convent it illegally demolished in November 2006. The company was served with an enforcement order requiring immediate works to begin on rebuilding the structure. It was demolished just two weeks after the council began proceedings to add the structure to the Record of Protected Structures. However the title had been transferred to Mr. Keegan in May 2006 so the enforcement order must now be reserved on both Kimpton Vale and Laurence Keegan before the council can take further action.
A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said yesterday that while there were no plans for a specific initiative to get the local authorities to enforce the legislation, he said ‘Minister Gormey has stated on more than one occasion he wants to see local authorities ramp up their enforcement proceedings and this includes where protected structures are impacted upon.'
Ian Power
Irish Examiner
Dublin City Council has instructed a developer to rebuild a 19th century convent it illegally demolished. Ian Lumley, Heritage Officer at An Taisce, said: ‘Dublin City Council have led the way in this regard, we welcome their decision to instruct the developer in Terenure to rebuild and we would urge other local authorities to follow their example. There are concerns that some town councils around the country are not ordering developers to rebuild protected structures.
An Taisce has called on all local authorities to punish property developers who flour planning regulations by demolishing protected structures.
Dublin City Council has instructed a developer to rebuild a 19th century convent it illegally demolished. Ian Lumley, Heritage Officer at An Taisce, said: ‘Dublin City Council have led the way in this regard, we welcome their decision to instruct the developer in Terenure to rebuild and we would urge other local authorities to follow their example. There are concerns that some town councils around the country are not ordering developers to rebuild protected structures.
‘Local Authorities must send a very strong signal to the property development world that illegal demolition will not be rewarded.
Although the structure in Terenure will never be the same as it was, at least it sends out a signal that illegal demotion will not be tolerated.'
Mr. Lumley said developers all around the country were neglecting protected structure leaving them to decay and at risk of arson in order to secure planning permission to completely demolish the whole building.
‘The nature of redevelopment means the developer wants new apartments straight away rather than deal with delays caused by complex historical structures. There have been numerous cases where these buildings go on fire, which is well known to happen and usual the owner / developer is the last person to be unhappy about it', said Mr. Lumley.
Mr. Lumley's comments came as Dublin City Council continues to put pressure on developers Kimpton Vale and its principle Laurence Keegan to rebuild a 19th century convent it illegally demolished in November 2006. The company was served with an enforcement order requiring immediate works to begin on rebuilding the structure. It was demolished just two weeks after the council began proceedings to add the structure to the Record of Protected Structures. However the title had been transferred to Mr. Keegan in May 2006 so the enforcement order must now be reserved on both Kimpton Vale and Laurence Keegan before the council can take further action.
A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said yesterday that while there were no plans for a specific initiative to get the local authorities to enforce the legislation, he said ‘Minister Gormey has stated on more than one occasion he wants to see local authorities ramp up their enforcement proceedings and this includes where protected structures are impacted upon.'
Ian Power
Irish Examiner
Council putting 250 jobs at risk, says Cashel developer
The row over the threatened demolition of 52 holiday homes overlooking the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary escalated yesterday when the builder accused the county council of a "blunder" which is putting 250 jobs at risk.
Liam Campion, director of Campion Concrete Products Ltd, said a "grave error" by the planning authorities was jeopardising a €75 million project and had cost him millions of euro in tax breaks.
However, the county council, through its solicitor, vehemently denied his allegations.
The row over the threatened demolition of 52 holiday homes overlooking the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary escalated yesterday when the builder accused the county council of a "blunder" which is putting 250 jobs at risk.
Liam Campion, director of Campion Concrete Products Ltd, said a "grave error" by the planning authorities was jeopardising a €75 million project and had cost him millions of euro in tax breaks.
However, the county council, through its solicitor, vehemently denied his allegations.
The company had secured planning permission to build a 120-bedroom hotel and 52 holiday cottages at Ballypadeen outside Cashel. Mr Campion claims that some slight changes to the plans were agreed at a meeting with council officials last year which "were accepted as minor alterations and amendments, not requiring a fresh planning application".
Construction commenced at the site and the 52 houses were built when planning inspectors decided that "the works had not been carried out in compliance with planning permission".
In May, the council issued an enforcement order demanding that the company cease all development at the site, remove the 52 houses, and restore the land to its condition prior to the commencement of the development.
Mr Campion did not comply with the order and declined to comment to the media at the time. The council then commenced legal proceedings which are expected to come before the courts later this year.
Mr Campion broke his silence yesterday and said he is "dismayed and incensed over the local authority's decision to try to force through the demolition of the houses".
He said the development was being built in accordance with plans submitted and approved at a meeting with the planning department in July 2006.
"It is clear that an error has been made by South Tipperary County Council, and instead of admitting to this, they want to demolish the houses and restore the location to a greenfield site, which will bring an end to the entire project and deny a major economic boost for Cashel. "
According to Mr Campion, the project has the "capacity to create 150-plus direct jobs and 100 or more indirectly."
Fred Binchy, a solicitor in Clonmel, whose firm acts for the council, said: "The county council planning office and its officers emphatically dispute any allegations or complaints made by the developer of any improper or unfair actions by it . . . with respect to this development".
The 52 houses have been built on an elevated, 15-acre site where the Cashel Kings Hotel once stood and are visible to motorists on the N8 Dublin to Cork road.
Mr Campion had planning permission to build an international trade centre, an international arbitration centre, a 120-room aparthotel, 52 cottages and a car park. The hotel, trade and arbitration centres have not been built.
Michael Parsons
© 2007 The Irish Times
Liam Campion, director of Campion Concrete Products Ltd, said a "grave error" by the planning authorities was jeopardising a €75 million project and had cost him millions of euro in tax breaks.
However, the county council, through its solicitor, vehemently denied his allegations.
The row over the threatened demolition of 52 holiday homes overlooking the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary escalated yesterday when the builder accused the county council of a "blunder" which is putting 250 jobs at risk.
Liam Campion, director of Campion Concrete Products Ltd, said a "grave error" by the planning authorities was jeopardising a €75 million project and had cost him millions of euro in tax breaks.
However, the county council, through its solicitor, vehemently denied his allegations.
The company had secured planning permission to build a 120-bedroom hotel and 52 holiday cottages at Ballypadeen outside Cashel. Mr Campion claims that some slight changes to the plans were agreed at a meeting with council officials last year which "were accepted as minor alterations and amendments, not requiring a fresh planning application".
Construction commenced at the site and the 52 houses were built when planning inspectors decided that "the works had not been carried out in compliance with planning permission".
In May, the council issued an enforcement order demanding that the company cease all development at the site, remove the 52 houses, and restore the land to its condition prior to the commencement of the development.
Mr Campion did not comply with the order and declined to comment to the media at the time. The council then commenced legal proceedings which are expected to come before the courts later this year.
Mr Campion broke his silence yesterday and said he is "dismayed and incensed over the local authority's decision to try to force through the demolition of the houses".
He said the development was being built in accordance with plans submitted and approved at a meeting with the planning department in July 2006.
"It is clear that an error has been made by South Tipperary County Council, and instead of admitting to this, they want to demolish the houses and restore the location to a greenfield site, which will bring an end to the entire project and deny a major economic boost for Cashel. "
According to Mr Campion, the project has the "capacity to create 150-plus direct jobs and 100 or more indirectly."
Fred Binchy, a solicitor in Clonmel, whose firm acts for the council, said: "The county council planning office and its officers emphatically dispute any allegations or complaints made by the developer of any improper or unfair actions by it . . . with respect to this development".
The 52 houses have been built on an elevated, 15-acre site where the Cashel Kings Hotel once stood and are visible to motorists on the N8 Dublin to Cork road.
Mr Campion had planning permission to build an international trade centre, an international arbitration centre, a 120-room aparthotel, 52 cottages and a car park. The hotel, trade and arbitration centres have not been built.
Michael Parsons
© 2007 The Irish Times
Developer ordered to demolish €75m project
THE developer of a planned €75 million 120-bedroom hotel and 52 holiday homes in Cashel has been ordered to demolish the development because of an alleged breach of planning conditions.
The entire €75m project and 250 jobs are now under threat, according to developer Liam Campion.
South Tipperary County Council is seeking demolition of the holiday cottages because the houses are terraced rather than semi-detached, as well as being up to nine metres off the specifications in the original plans.
Mr Campion has claimed that the houses, at the former site of the Cashel Kings Motel on the Dublin road out of Cashel, have been built in accordance with plans submitted and approved in July of 2006.
He yesterday accused the local authority of making “a grave error” by trying to force through the demolition of the houses.
“They sought certain amendments which we put into plans that were submitted and approved at a meeting in July of last year. We proceeded with the development on that basis and stuck rigidly to the plans we submitted but the local authority has somehow tried to claim we don’t have approval,” said Mr Campion yesterday.
“Now my initial investment in these houses is at risk, as is the entire project.”
Restoring the location to a greenfield site would bring an end to the entire project, according to the developer, “and deny a major economic boost for Cashel”.
Construction on the holiday project began on August 21 of last year and, in early September, one of the county council officers attended the site to ensure everything was progressing in order, according to Mr Campion.
There was no comment on the matter yesterday from South Tipperary County Council.
Irish Examiner
The entire €75m project and 250 jobs are now under threat, according to developer Liam Campion.
South Tipperary County Council is seeking demolition of the holiday cottages because the houses are terraced rather than semi-detached, as well as being up to nine metres off the specifications in the original plans.
Mr Campion has claimed that the houses, at the former site of the Cashel Kings Motel on the Dublin road out of Cashel, have been built in accordance with plans submitted and approved in July of 2006.
He yesterday accused the local authority of making “a grave error” by trying to force through the demolition of the houses.
“They sought certain amendments which we put into plans that were submitted and approved at a meeting in July of last year. We proceeded with the development on that basis and stuck rigidly to the plans we submitted but the local authority has somehow tried to claim we don’t have approval,” said Mr Campion yesterday.
“Now my initial investment in these houses is at risk, as is the entire project.”
Restoring the location to a greenfield site would bring an end to the entire project, according to the developer, “and deny a major economic boost for Cashel”.
Construction on the holiday project began on August 21 of last year and, in early September, one of the county council officers attended the site to ensure everything was progressing in order, according to Mr Campion.
There was no comment on the matter yesterday from South Tipperary County Council.
Irish Examiner
Lansdowne Road name joins ground as history
LANSDOWNE Road stadium is no more. The physical demolition of the famous old Ballsbridge ground is complete; now its famous name is also set to be consigned to the pages of history.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company (LRSDC) yesterday confirmed the IRFU and FAI have appointed US company Wasserman Media Group to seek interest from potential sponsors for the naming rights of the new stadium.
LRSDC chairman and IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said it was anticipated that the rights would be awarded for a 15-year period in line with industry norms.
The rugby and soccer
authorities hope that such sponsorship will provide a major help in funding the 365 million cost of building the new stadium, 191m of which is being contributed by the Government.
Wasserman was also involved in securing a £100m (147.7m) deal for Arsenal FC with airline Emirates, which combined stadium naming rights with a shirt deal.
While the extinction of the Lansdowne Road name is likely to disappoint many sports fans, it comes as no surprise, given that most large-scale, modern stadia have sold their naming rights to defray costs.
The Munster branch of the IRFU has already been criticised for exploring the possibility of selling the naming rights for the planned redevelopment of Thomond Park in Limerick, given the ground’s historical association with Munster rugby.
Opposing the move, local Labour TD Ruairí Quinn said the two sporting bodies should not be allowed to “prostitute” the name of Lansdowne Road for a “revenue-raising exercise”.
Mr Quinn said he was alarmed that a decision to sell the name of the new stadium had been taken without any consultation with local residents or public representatives.
“Lansdowne Road deserves to preserve its famous name, which is recognised all over the world. To sell out the name would greatly disrespect the heroes of Irish sports who represented our nation with great pride in such a famous venue,” he said.
However, Mr Browne said the IRFU and FAI had to take account of the new circumstances within professional sports.
“There is a lot of interest within the corporate world to be involved with the stadium and we welcome that. The reality of the situation is that Lansdowne Road ceased to exist when it was demolished last August,” he said.
The old stadium had become “outdated, outmoded and no longer served its purpose,” he added.
Mr Browne said the company was on target to meet its revised completion date of December 2009, with the first games being played at the new 50,000-seater stadium in the spring of 2010.
The LRSDC said there was still one legal challenge against the new stadium before the courts. An application by local residents for a judicial review of the decision to grant planning permission for the project is due to come before the High Court next month.
Mr Browne also revealed that all 10,000 premium seats for IRFU games over a 10-year period at the new ground have already been sold and heavily oversubscribed.
FAI chief executive John Delaney said he expected similar strong demand for the FAI’s scheme for premium and corporate seats, which will be launched in early 2008.
“I never though I would be so thrilled to see a stadium knocked,” said Mr Delaney. He expressed hope that the new stadium would be granted a UEFA cup final at an early stage following its completion.
However, the stadium’s developers were criticised by a local residents group, who accused the IRFU and FAI of dividing the local community.
The Bath Avenue District and Residents Association said different levels of compensation, ranging from €32,500 to €120,000, offered by the LRSDC to some residents living nearest the ground had become a “very emotive issue”.
Meanwhile, the LRSDC confirmed it would engage in round-the-clock work for a 72-hour period over the October bank holiday weekend to build an underpass below the railway line.
Irish Examiner
The Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company (LRSDC) yesterday confirmed the IRFU and FAI have appointed US company Wasserman Media Group to seek interest from potential sponsors for the naming rights of the new stadium.
LRSDC chairman and IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said it was anticipated that the rights would be awarded for a 15-year period in line with industry norms.
The rugby and soccer
authorities hope that such sponsorship will provide a major help in funding the 365 million cost of building the new stadium, 191m of which is being contributed by the Government.
Wasserman was also involved in securing a £100m (147.7m) deal for Arsenal FC with airline Emirates, which combined stadium naming rights with a shirt deal.
While the extinction of the Lansdowne Road name is likely to disappoint many sports fans, it comes as no surprise, given that most large-scale, modern stadia have sold their naming rights to defray costs.
The Munster branch of the IRFU has already been criticised for exploring the possibility of selling the naming rights for the planned redevelopment of Thomond Park in Limerick, given the ground’s historical association with Munster rugby.
Opposing the move, local Labour TD Ruairí Quinn said the two sporting bodies should not be allowed to “prostitute” the name of Lansdowne Road for a “revenue-raising exercise”.
Mr Quinn said he was alarmed that a decision to sell the name of the new stadium had been taken without any consultation with local residents or public representatives.
“Lansdowne Road deserves to preserve its famous name, which is recognised all over the world. To sell out the name would greatly disrespect the heroes of Irish sports who represented our nation with great pride in such a famous venue,” he said.
However, Mr Browne said the IRFU and FAI had to take account of the new circumstances within professional sports.
“There is a lot of interest within the corporate world to be involved with the stadium and we welcome that. The reality of the situation is that Lansdowne Road ceased to exist when it was demolished last August,” he said.
The old stadium had become “outdated, outmoded and no longer served its purpose,” he added.
Mr Browne said the company was on target to meet its revised completion date of December 2009, with the first games being played at the new 50,000-seater stadium in the spring of 2010.
The LRSDC said there was still one legal challenge against the new stadium before the courts. An application by local residents for a judicial review of the decision to grant planning permission for the project is due to come before the High Court next month.
Mr Browne also revealed that all 10,000 premium seats for IRFU games over a 10-year period at the new ground have already been sold and heavily oversubscribed.
FAI chief executive John Delaney said he expected similar strong demand for the FAI’s scheme for premium and corporate seats, which will be launched in early 2008.
“I never though I would be so thrilled to see a stadium knocked,” said Mr Delaney. He expressed hope that the new stadium would be granted a UEFA cup final at an early stage following its completion.
However, the stadium’s developers were criticised by a local residents group, who accused the IRFU and FAI of dividing the local community.
The Bath Avenue District and Residents Association said different levels of compensation, ranging from €32,500 to €120,000, offered by the LRSDC to some residents living nearest the ground had become a “very emotive issue”.
Meanwhile, the LRSDC confirmed it would engage in round-the-clock work for a 72-hour period over the October bank holiday weekend to build an underpass below the railway line.
Irish Examiner
Councils dismiss fears of new land grab by squatters
DUBLIN local authorities have insisted they do not face a problem with people securing squatters' rights on publicly-owned land.
Yesterday it emerged that Fingal County Council had paid out almost €2m to Travellers to vacate lands on Dunsink Lane in Finglas they have lived on for over a dozen years.
The most recent settlements, confirmed by the council yesterday, involved three families who received a total of €850,000 to leave the area.
It follows another settlement of €1.1m made earlier this year to traveller David Joyce, who agreed to leave land he had squatted on in the north Dublin suburb.
People living on a 42-acre site are being paid to leave the area so a massive public park can be built in the north of the city.
Fingal County Council issued compulsory purchase orders compelling people to sell up three years ago, and the council now has possession of most of the 42-acres it is seeking to acquire.
Most people had lived in the area since Dunsink was a landfill, and up to 50 families have been served with a CPO ordering them to sell their property back to the council.
However, many of the occupants are in family groups, and the council has been settling claims on that basis.
There had been "some duplication'' of claims, and it was not possible to ascertain how many valid claims were made or how much it would eventually cost. Some claims have yet to be settled, and legal action has been taken by families who do not wish to move.
"Correspondence has been received from a number of families claiming possessory title to plots of the lands within the CPO area," a spokesperson said yesterday.
"While the examination of these claims has not been completed, there does appear to be significant duplication of claims. Therefore, it is not possible at this stage to accurately estimate the number of claims that have been made.
"Some families remain in the area subject to the CPO. As there are also a number of other settlements along Dunsink Lane, including both illegal and authorised camps, some Traveller accommodation and some local authority housing, it is difficult therefore to estimate the total number of families living in that area."
Yesterday, County Manager David O'Connor said it was hoped to construct a public park of up to 200-acres in an area stretching from the Navan Road to Dunsink Lane and bordered by the M50 motorway once the process was complete.
The council must also "make safe" the site of the Dunsink dump, which could take some time.
"We feel it has the opportunity to be reinvented as an amenity for the entire Dublin 15 and Finglas area," he said.
"Sports such as gaelic football, soccer and rugby will be accommodated in Abbotstown and less mainstream sports such as mountain biking could be catered for.
"Here we can make the landscape anything we want. We have Dunsink Observatory, and could create an amphitheatre so that people could look at the stars.
It is also possible to use certain types of planting to take the poison out of the ground, and we have started some of these strategies already."
The other Dublin local authorities stated that they found they did not have problems with people claiming squatters' rights on lands owned by the council, and did not expect claims seeking "adverse possession" to be made.
Irish Independent
Yesterday it emerged that Fingal County Council had paid out almost €2m to Travellers to vacate lands on Dunsink Lane in Finglas they have lived on for over a dozen years.
The most recent settlements, confirmed by the council yesterday, involved three families who received a total of €850,000 to leave the area.
It follows another settlement of €1.1m made earlier this year to traveller David Joyce, who agreed to leave land he had squatted on in the north Dublin suburb.
People living on a 42-acre site are being paid to leave the area so a massive public park can be built in the north of the city.
Fingal County Council issued compulsory purchase orders compelling people to sell up three years ago, and the council now has possession of most of the 42-acres it is seeking to acquire.
Most people had lived in the area since Dunsink was a landfill, and up to 50 families have been served with a CPO ordering them to sell their property back to the council.
However, many of the occupants are in family groups, and the council has been settling claims on that basis.
There had been "some duplication'' of claims, and it was not possible to ascertain how many valid claims were made or how much it would eventually cost. Some claims have yet to be settled, and legal action has been taken by families who do not wish to move.
"Correspondence has been received from a number of families claiming possessory title to plots of the lands within the CPO area," a spokesperson said yesterday.
"While the examination of these claims has not been completed, there does appear to be significant duplication of claims. Therefore, it is not possible at this stage to accurately estimate the number of claims that have been made.
"Some families remain in the area subject to the CPO. As there are also a number of other settlements along Dunsink Lane, including both illegal and authorised camps, some Traveller accommodation and some local authority housing, it is difficult therefore to estimate the total number of families living in that area."
Yesterday, County Manager David O'Connor said it was hoped to construct a public park of up to 200-acres in an area stretching from the Navan Road to Dunsink Lane and bordered by the M50 motorway once the process was complete.
The council must also "make safe" the site of the Dunsink dump, which could take some time.
"We feel it has the opportunity to be reinvented as an amenity for the entire Dublin 15 and Finglas area," he said.
"Sports such as gaelic football, soccer and rugby will be accommodated in Abbotstown and less mainstream sports such as mountain biking could be catered for.
"Here we can make the landscape anything we want. We have Dunsink Observatory, and could create an amphitheatre so that people could look at the stars.
It is also possible to use certain types of planting to take the poison out of the ground, and we have started some of these strategies already."
The other Dublin local authorities stated that they found they did not have problems with people claiming squatters' rights on lands owned by the council, and did not expect claims seeking "adverse possession" to be made.
Irish Independent
Green light for new port north
THE Government has given the go-ahead for a new deep water port near Balbriggan where investment of around €210m is planned. But the development is totally separate from the proposal to develop Dublin Port northwards.
The new port is to be developed at Bremore near Balbriggan in a joint venture between Drogheda Port and a private company, Castle Market Holdings.
Transport and Marine Minister Noel Dempsey briefed the Cabinet yesterday on the intention by himself and FInance Minister Brian Cowen to give Drogheda Port company permission to develop the joint facility.
A Government spokesman said legislation will have to be prepared and passed before the new port can go ahead.
This will involve the bringing forward of a new Harbours' Bill as the area proposed lies outside the limits provided for in current legislation.
The proposed development would not have any implications for the future of Dublin Port, a spokesperson for the Department of Transport and the Marine said last night.
As was made clear in the National Development Plan, the results of this will be considered by the Department before any decisions are made.
Drogheda Port Company said yesterday's Government decision was a positive move and they intend to move forward now with an Environmental Impact Statement.
Work on the plan began five years ago, and aims to develop new facilities at Bremore at an estimated cost of €210m.
Irish Independent
The new port is to be developed at Bremore near Balbriggan in a joint venture between Drogheda Port and a private company, Castle Market Holdings.
Transport and Marine Minister Noel Dempsey briefed the Cabinet yesterday on the intention by himself and FInance Minister Brian Cowen to give Drogheda Port company permission to develop the joint facility.
A Government spokesman said legislation will have to be prepared and passed before the new port can go ahead.
This will involve the bringing forward of a new Harbours' Bill as the area proposed lies outside the limits provided for in current legislation.
The proposed development would not have any implications for the future of Dublin Port, a spokesperson for the Department of Transport and the Marine said last night.
As was made clear in the National Development Plan, the results of this will be considered by the Department before any decisions are made.
Drogheda Port Company said yesterday's Government decision was a positive move and they intend to move forward now with an Environmental Impact Statement.
Work on the plan began five years ago, and aims to develop new facilities at Bremore at an estimated cost of €210m.
Irish Independent
Gormley sidelined over city waste disposal plans
Green Environment Minister John Gormley was left powerless last night after Dublin City Council yesterday forged ahead with plans to build an incinerator in his backyard.
The city council confirmed it had signed a contract with a US/Danish consortium - Dublin Waste to Energy Ltd -- to design, build, finance and operate the Poolbeg plant in the minister's Dublin South East constituency.
The move was made even though An Bord Pleanala has yet to give the go ahead and comes less than 24 hours after Mr Gormley rubbished incineration.
It also highlights the rift between the coalition parties as Fianna Fail's policy is pro-incineration while the Greens are opposed to it.
Mr Gormley is likely to see red over the timing of signing the contract to build an incinerator in his constituency.
But there is nothing he can do about it as his role in individual planning applications relates to policy.
He couldn't even speak about it yesterday as his spokesperson said he was legally precluded from commenting on the incinerator. And to add further fuel to Mr Gormley's ire, the deal includes so-called "put and pay" clauses where local authorities undertake to provide a minimum quantity of waste to incinerators or landfills which he said he was banning last month.
He also cast doubt on the future of incinerators in Ireland, saying he favoured a levy on all waste sent for incineration.
Leading high-profile Green TDs last night reacted with fury at the Dublin incinerator move, putting intense pressure on their minister to act -- but there is little he can now do.
The incinerator is due to burn 600,000 tonnes of rubbish annually and in the process provide power for more than 100,000 homes.
The EU has ordered Ireland to stop sending most of its rubbish to landfills.
All other EU countries have incinerators, including the most environmentally advanced countries such as Denmark and Sweden.
But Mr Gormley, who is also a TD in the Dublin south east constituency, was one of the strongest opponents of the project during his time in Opposition.
He was one of more than 2,000 individuals or environmental groups who lodged objections to the incinerator's application with Bord Pleanala last October.
Before taking office, he repeatedly expressed his opposition to the plant which will be built in his constituency.
Another member of the Cabinet, Fianna Fail Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, has previously come out in favour of incinerators while in the job as Environment Minister.
Mr Dempsey even faced down anti-incinerator groups in his own constituency of Meath where one has been given planning permission.
Dempsey accused some anti-incinerator activists as believing in the "Paul Daniels solution to waste."
And An Bord Pleanala, which is still considering the planning application for the Ringsend incinerator, will have to take account of national waste policy which supports incinerators.
If approved by An Bord Pleanala, and assuming it is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the plant will handle up to 600,000 tonnes of household waste a year, converting it into electricity to power 50,000 homes and district heating for a further 60,000.
While the Minister was not speaking out last night, Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party TD for Dun Laoghaire said he was furious at the announcement.
He said he was concerned that the council was pre-empting An Bord Pleanala's decision on the Poolbeg incinerator by making numerous financial commitments and guarantees before approval for the plant has even been granted.
"Dublin City Councillors don't want incineration. The people of Dublin don't want it -- they would prefer to recycle their waste than have it burnt.
"I am angry and mystified that unelected Council officials are pushing this project so strongly," he said.
"Minister John Gormley has given the strongest possible indication that he does not consider incineration to be a viable alternative to landfill and that he will be reviewing national waste policy with this in mind."
Irish Independent
The city council confirmed it had signed a contract with a US/Danish consortium - Dublin Waste to Energy Ltd -- to design, build, finance and operate the Poolbeg plant in the minister's Dublin South East constituency.
The move was made even though An Bord Pleanala has yet to give the go ahead and comes less than 24 hours after Mr Gormley rubbished incineration.
It also highlights the rift between the coalition parties as Fianna Fail's policy is pro-incineration while the Greens are opposed to it.
Mr Gormley is likely to see red over the timing of signing the contract to build an incinerator in his constituency.
But there is nothing he can do about it as his role in individual planning applications relates to policy.
He couldn't even speak about it yesterday as his spokesperson said he was legally precluded from commenting on the incinerator. And to add further fuel to Mr Gormley's ire, the deal includes so-called "put and pay" clauses where local authorities undertake to provide a minimum quantity of waste to incinerators or landfills which he said he was banning last month.
He also cast doubt on the future of incinerators in Ireland, saying he favoured a levy on all waste sent for incineration.
Leading high-profile Green TDs last night reacted with fury at the Dublin incinerator move, putting intense pressure on their minister to act -- but there is little he can now do.
The incinerator is due to burn 600,000 tonnes of rubbish annually and in the process provide power for more than 100,000 homes.
The EU has ordered Ireland to stop sending most of its rubbish to landfills.
All other EU countries have incinerators, including the most environmentally advanced countries such as Denmark and Sweden.
But Mr Gormley, who is also a TD in the Dublin south east constituency, was one of the strongest opponents of the project during his time in Opposition.
He was one of more than 2,000 individuals or environmental groups who lodged objections to the incinerator's application with Bord Pleanala last October.
Before taking office, he repeatedly expressed his opposition to the plant which will be built in his constituency.
Another member of the Cabinet, Fianna Fail Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, has previously come out in favour of incinerators while in the job as Environment Minister.
Mr Dempsey even faced down anti-incinerator groups in his own constituency of Meath where one has been given planning permission.
Dempsey accused some anti-incinerator activists as believing in the "Paul Daniels solution to waste."
And An Bord Pleanala, which is still considering the planning application for the Ringsend incinerator, will have to take account of national waste policy which supports incinerators.
If approved by An Bord Pleanala, and assuming it is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the plant will handle up to 600,000 tonnes of household waste a year, converting it into electricity to power 50,000 homes and district heating for a further 60,000.
While the Minister was not speaking out last night, Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party TD for Dun Laoghaire said he was furious at the announcement.
He said he was concerned that the council was pre-empting An Bord Pleanala's decision on the Poolbeg incinerator by making numerous financial commitments and guarantees before approval for the plant has even been granted.
"Dublin City Councillors don't want incineration. The people of Dublin don't want it -- they would prefer to recycle their waste than have it burnt.
"I am angry and mystified that unelected Council officials are pushing this project so strongly," he said.
"Minister John Gormley has given the strongest possible indication that he does not consider incineration to be a viable alternative to landfill and that he will be reviewing national waste policy with this in mind."
Irish Independent
O'Leary to go to court to stop Terminal 2
Ryanair will apply over the next couple of weeks to the High Court for a judicial review of plans for Terminal Two (T2) at Dublin airport including a stay on all construction work.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) said yesterday it has placed construction and engineering contracts worth about €200m ahead of an October start date for the construction of the second terminal at the airport subject to challenges.
But Ryanair is going ahead with its challenge to T2.
"We are in the process of preparing documents which should be filed at the High Court within the next couple of weeks," said Jim Callaghan, Ryanair's head of regulatory affairs.
Ryanair first said in August that the new terminal is in breach of planning guidelines and that its High Court action would also centre on the lack of access to the airport.
Mr Callaghan said that Ryanair is not trying to block development at the airport but that the option of a low-cost terminal should be investigated.
Yesterday, Declan Collier, chief executive of the DAA, said the Ryanair challenge was regrettable and costly.
"We regret any delays. Every month we are delayed it will cost us between €3m to €5m.
"I think it's very strange coming from an airline that prides itself on costs and efficiencies. I hope it will review its position."
T2 was given planning permission approval in August 2006 and is due to be completed by the end of 2009.
It is expected that it will be open to the public in April 2010.
Mr Collier was speaking after an address to the Leinster Society of Chartered Accountants where he gave an overview of developments at the airport including T2 and eventually terminal three.
"The €200m in contracts range across a number of sectors including the excavation of the site, engineering and steelworks as well as logistics.
There will be about 3,000 workers at peak on the site.
He said the airport will manage 250m passengers over the next ten years and deliver on a €2bn investment programme.
He added that Dublin is the fastest growing major airport in Europe and that it plays a pivotal role in the Irish economy supporting at least 50,000 jobs nationally.
Irish Independent
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) said yesterday it has placed construction and engineering contracts worth about €200m ahead of an October start date for the construction of the second terminal at the airport subject to challenges.
But Ryanair is going ahead with its challenge to T2.
"We are in the process of preparing documents which should be filed at the High Court within the next couple of weeks," said Jim Callaghan, Ryanair's head of regulatory affairs.
Ryanair first said in August that the new terminal is in breach of planning guidelines and that its High Court action would also centre on the lack of access to the airport.
Mr Callaghan said that Ryanair is not trying to block development at the airport but that the option of a low-cost terminal should be investigated.
Yesterday, Declan Collier, chief executive of the DAA, said the Ryanair challenge was regrettable and costly.
"We regret any delays. Every month we are delayed it will cost us between €3m to €5m.
"I think it's very strange coming from an airline that prides itself on costs and efficiencies. I hope it will review its position."
T2 was given planning permission approval in August 2006 and is due to be completed by the end of 2009.
It is expected that it will be open to the public in April 2010.
Mr Collier was speaking after an address to the Leinster Society of Chartered Accountants where he gave an overview of developments at the airport including T2 and eventually terminal three.
"The €200m in contracts range across a number of sectors including the excavation of the site, engineering and steelworks as well as logistics.
There will be about 3,000 workers at peak on the site.
He said the airport will manage 250m passengers over the next ten years and deliver on a €2bn investment programme.
He added that Dublin is the fastest growing major airport in Europe and that it plays a pivotal role in the Irish economy supporting at least 50,000 jobs nationally.
Irish Independent
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Judge rules that Shell 'solidarity camp' be dismantled
Environmental activists opposed to the Corrib gas project have been given until January 1st by a Circuit Court judge to vacate and demolish a "solidarity camp" that they erected two years ago in sand dunes at Glengad, Co Mayo.
The camp, which comprises a portable cabin, six beehive-shaped tents, toilets and a wind turbine, was erected, in what Mayo County Council says is "a particularly fragile landscape".
Environmental activists opposed to the Corrib gas project have been given until January 1st by a Circuit Court judge to vacate and demolish a "solidarity camp" that they erected two years ago in sand dunes at Glengad, Co Mayo.
The camp, which comprises a portable cabin, six beehive-shaped tents, toilets and a wind turbine, was erected, in what Mayo County Council says is "a particularly fragile landscape".
The council, which said the camp was unauthorised and causing "irreparable damage" to the local environment, successfully obtained an injunction against three named defendants, Eoin Ó Leidhín, Bob Kavanagh and Niall Harnett, at a sitting of the Circuit Court yesterday in Castlebar.
Judge Harvey Kenny said he appreciated the objectives of the defendants and their reasons for creating the camp. However, the camp did not have planning permission and had the potential to damage a very special area of conservation. He was directing that all unauthorised structures be removed, and granted a stay in the event of an appeal.
The judge said the defendants should pay the applicants' costs, but added he would also suggest that the council not pursue costs as the defendants were "well-motivated but, unfortunately, they transgressed".
Initially, Judge Kenny instructed that all unauthorised structures be removed from the dunes by October 1st, but extended the period to January 1st on the application of Jennifer Higgins, defending, who asked for extra time in which to dismantle the camp.
John Kiely, for Mayo County Council, said the local authority had no problem as long as the camp was dismantled with reasonable haste. He said he would be making a recommendation to the Mayo county manager, Des Mahon, on the costs.
In an affidavit read to the court yesterday, Leslie McMaster, an engineer with the council, said the area involved was beside a beach and the lands formed part of a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC), known as the Glenamoy bog complex. The camp was approached by a path through the dunes.
He said the camp was being used as a base for those coming to protest against the Shell project. From press reports and local information he believed "numbers of people" stayed in the camp at weekends. There had been no planning application for the camp.
Karen Gaynor, a coastal ecologist with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said it could take as long as 10 to 15 years for the site to recover fully from the presence of the structures, once they were removed.
In a written submission, one of the defendants, Niall Harnett, from Doonagore, Liscannor, Co Clare, said the relevant public authorities, including Mayo County Council, the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, had known of and acquiesced to the presence of the camp since February 2006.
He said the camp had always acted in good faith with regard to its responsibilities to consult with the relevant authorities and environmental protection.
"Never did any relevant authority issue any warning that the continuing course of conduct might change and the camp was never informed of its unauthorised nature until legal action had already been taken."
Mr Harnett said the camp existed to assist the local community in drawing attention to and opposing the environmental damage and health and safety risks associated with the gas project "where environmental vandalism has already occurred, and is anticipated to continue".
He said the camp was a facility to aid citizens in the exercise of their constitutional rights to assemble peaceably, without arms, and engage in political action and protest against the Shell gas refinery.
Tom Shiel
© 2007 The Irish Times
The camp, which comprises a portable cabin, six beehive-shaped tents, toilets and a wind turbine, was erected, in what Mayo County Council says is "a particularly fragile landscape".
Environmental activists opposed to the Corrib gas project have been given until January 1st by a Circuit Court judge to vacate and demolish a "solidarity camp" that they erected two years ago in sand dunes at Glengad, Co Mayo.
The camp, which comprises a portable cabin, six beehive-shaped tents, toilets and a wind turbine, was erected, in what Mayo County Council says is "a particularly fragile landscape".
The council, which said the camp was unauthorised and causing "irreparable damage" to the local environment, successfully obtained an injunction against three named defendants, Eoin Ó Leidhín, Bob Kavanagh and Niall Harnett, at a sitting of the Circuit Court yesterday in Castlebar.
Judge Harvey Kenny said he appreciated the objectives of the defendants and their reasons for creating the camp. However, the camp did not have planning permission and had the potential to damage a very special area of conservation. He was directing that all unauthorised structures be removed, and granted a stay in the event of an appeal.
The judge said the defendants should pay the applicants' costs, but added he would also suggest that the council not pursue costs as the defendants were "well-motivated but, unfortunately, they transgressed".
Initially, Judge Kenny instructed that all unauthorised structures be removed from the dunes by October 1st, but extended the period to January 1st on the application of Jennifer Higgins, defending, who asked for extra time in which to dismantle the camp.
John Kiely, for Mayo County Council, said the local authority had no problem as long as the camp was dismantled with reasonable haste. He said he would be making a recommendation to the Mayo county manager, Des Mahon, on the costs.
In an affidavit read to the court yesterday, Leslie McMaster, an engineer with the council, said the area involved was beside a beach and the lands formed part of a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC), known as the Glenamoy bog complex. The camp was approached by a path through the dunes.
He said the camp was being used as a base for those coming to protest against the Shell project. From press reports and local information he believed "numbers of people" stayed in the camp at weekends. There had been no planning application for the camp.
Karen Gaynor, a coastal ecologist with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said it could take as long as 10 to 15 years for the site to recover fully from the presence of the structures, once they were removed.
In a written submission, one of the defendants, Niall Harnett, from Doonagore, Liscannor, Co Clare, said the relevant public authorities, including Mayo County Council, the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, had known of and acquiesced to the presence of the camp since February 2006.
He said the camp had always acted in good faith with regard to its responsibilities to consult with the relevant authorities and environmental protection.
"Never did any relevant authority issue any warning that the continuing course of conduct might change and the camp was never informed of its unauthorised nature until legal action had already been taken."
Mr Harnett said the camp existed to assist the local community in drawing attention to and opposing the environmental damage and health and safety risks associated with the gas project "where environmental vandalism has already occurred, and is anticipated to continue".
He said the camp was a facility to aid citizens in the exercise of their constitutional rights to assemble peaceably, without arms, and engage in political action and protest against the Shell gas refinery.
Tom Shiel
© 2007 The Irish Times
OK for housing makes waves in seaside resort
CONTROVERSY concerning the overdevelopment of the popular seaside village of Ennis-crone is mounting after the revelation that An Bord Pleanala has granted planning permission for almost 200 residential units . . . even though one of its own inspectors said the plan was too large and should be rejected. The proposed development will include a mix of apartments, terraced housing, semi-detached units, retail units and a creche. There has been criticism of the size of the development and the impact it will have on the small sea side resort which led to two local residents - Brendan and Deirdre Quinn - appealing against Sligo County Council’s original decision to grant planning permission.
Enniscrone is one of the jewels of County Sligo's coastline, and one of the most desirable places to live in the North-West. Now, following a decision by An Bord Pleanala, 200 new homes will be built there - homes which are not needed, according to objectors. Among those are one of the board's own inspectors! SHARON CONWAY reports.
CONTROVERSY concerning the overdevelopment of the popular seaside village of Ennis-crone is mounting after the revelation that An Bord Pleanala has granted planning permission for almost 200 residential units . . . even though one of its own inspectors said the plan was too large and should be rejected.
The proposed development will include a mix of apartments, terraced housing, semi-detached units, retail units and a creche.
There has been criticism of the size of the development and the impact it will have on the small sea side resort which led to two local residents - Brendan and Deirdre Quinn - appealing against Sligo County Council's original decision to grant planning permission.
The developers, The Hannon Family, had originally sought to build 211 units, however, An Bord Pleanala reduced this number to 197 units before granting permission. Planning was granted despite the fact that the board's own inspector, Emer Doyle, recommended that permission for the development be withheld due to its scale. In her eport, she said that she was not satisfied that a development of this size would be appropriate for Ennis-crone.
She said in her report: "I am of the view that there will be insufficient local demand for a housing estate of this scale. I consider that this estate will result in an over supply of houses in the area and will result in empty houses."
The proposed layout includes 72 three-bed semi-detached homes, 65 three-bed terraced houses, four 4-bed detached homes and 88 apartments (24 one-bedroom, the rest two-bedroom), 3 retail units and a creche.
The board says it reached the decision to give the go ahead to the developers after looking at Enniscrone's Local Area Plan and its designation as a key support town in the current plan.
It stipulated that the dwellings would be used for permanent residential occupancy as opposed to holiday homes and that ten units be removed from the development to create a public green zone.
It also stated that the development be subject to conditions ensuring that there would be no serious injury to the amenities or property of the area and, that it would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.
An Bord Pleanala also laid down conditions for phasing the development in three stages, with the next phase not allowed to begin until the previous one is finished.
Sharon Conway
© Sligo Weekender
Enniscrone is one of the jewels of County Sligo's coastline, and one of the most desirable places to live in the North-West. Now, following a decision by An Bord Pleanala, 200 new homes will be built there - homes which are not needed, according to objectors. Among those are one of the board's own inspectors! SHARON CONWAY reports.
CONTROVERSY concerning the overdevelopment of the popular seaside village of Ennis-crone is mounting after the revelation that An Bord Pleanala has granted planning permission for almost 200 residential units . . . even though one of its own inspectors said the plan was too large and should be rejected.
The proposed development will include a mix of apartments, terraced housing, semi-detached units, retail units and a creche.
There has been criticism of the size of the development and the impact it will have on the small sea side resort which led to two local residents - Brendan and Deirdre Quinn - appealing against Sligo County Council's original decision to grant planning permission.
The developers, The Hannon Family, had originally sought to build 211 units, however, An Bord Pleanala reduced this number to 197 units before granting permission. Planning was granted despite the fact that the board's own inspector, Emer Doyle, recommended that permission for the development be withheld due to its scale. In her eport, she said that she was not satisfied that a development of this size would be appropriate for Ennis-crone.
She said in her report: "I am of the view that there will be insufficient local demand for a housing estate of this scale. I consider that this estate will result in an over supply of houses in the area and will result in empty houses."
The proposed layout includes 72 three-bed semi-detached homes, 65 three-bed terraced houses, four 4-bed detached homes and 88 apartments (24 one-bedroom, the rest two-bedroom), 3 retail units and a creche.
The board says it reached the decision to give the go ahead to the developers after looking at Enniscrone's Local Area Plan and its designation as a key support town in the current plan.
It stipulated that the dwellings would be used for permanent residential occupancy as opposed to holiday homes and that ten units be removed from the development to create a public green zone.
It also stated that the development be subject to conditions ensuring that there would be no serious injury to the amenities or property of the area and, that it would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.
An Bord Pleanala also laid down conditions for phasing the development in three stages, with the next phase not allowed to begin until the previous one is finished.
Sharon Conway
© Sligo Weekender
Tramore residents go to war in planning row
RESIDENTS of a hugely scenic part of Tramore claim a big new estate of 155 houses planned for their area would be massively "out of character" there - and have opted to fight its planning permission with an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
The controversial estate proposed by the Tramore-based McDonald brothers, attracted a whopping 86 objections to Waterford Co. Council but the county's planners have now come under fire for giving it the ‘thumbs up'.
RESIDENTS of a hugely scenic part of Tramore claim a big new housing estate planned for their area would be massively "out of character" there - and have opted to fight its planning permission with an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
The controversial estate proposed by the Tramore-based McDonald brothers, attracted a whopping 86 objections to Waterford Co. Council but the county's planners have now come under fire for giving it the ‘thumbs up'.
Not alone do locals fear that some of the 155 new houses would "tower" over homes in Carrigeenlea and Newtown Glen but they claim the sewerage, water and drainage services in the area - never mind the roads - wouldn't be able to cope with up to 400 extra people.
"We were very surprised, and disappointed, that this estate got planning permission in view of the massive amount of objections put in by residents," a spokesperson for the Newtown Action Group told the Waterford News & Star this week.
"People had a lot of concerns that could have been partly addressed by the planning department in the conditions they imposed on the developers but that never happened."
"In view of this, we as a group representing a number of householders in the area, had no hesitation in lodging an appeal with An Bord Pleanála." "In addition to everything else, the schools in the area can barely cope as it is with the amount of pupils they have. The same is true of the various sports clubs and facilities - all are stretched."
The McDonald brothers, trading as Middlethird Estates Ltd., applied to the County Council back in September 2006 for permission to build 155 houses (two and three storeys in height) on a site at Newtown in Tramore.
They applied separately for permission to provide two apartment blocks on the site (for 26 apartments) and separately again for 26 social and affordable houses on a separate section of the land.
They were later refused permission for the apartments and are in the process now of appealing this to An Bord Pleanála. A decision, meanwhile, has yet to be reached on the social housing.
The plans by the local developers caused uproar in the Newtown area and a staggering 86 objections/submissions were subsequently lodged with the Council against the 155 houses in particular.
In addition to the Newtown Action Group - set up especially to fight the development - these came from a flurry of residents of the Carrigeenlea and Newtown Glen areas as well as the Carrigeenlea Residents Association, the owners of Newtown Cove Caravan Park and Tramore town councillor Blaise Hannigan.
33 CONDITIONS
To the anger of locals, the Council gave the 155 houses the ‘green light' subject to 33 conditions on August 20.
So far, appeals have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála by the Newtown Action Group and Patsy and Philippa Carney of ‘The Coachyard' while the developers themselves are appealing the conditions.
However, appeals will be accepted by the Dublin board for another two weeks so the possibility of more is likely. A final decision on the plans won't be made until December 18 at the earliest.
Speaking this week, Newtown Action Group's spokesperson said there were a lot of concerns in the area about the proposed development and while representatives of the Newtown group had met with the developers to voice these, they hadn't been addressed.
"The main issues are the density of what's proposed in an area where we feel they would be out of character.
The infrastructure also is not able to cope as it is. If you look at water pressure, to give just one example, people have electric showers here and the pressure is so low that the water barely more than trickles out."
"Some of the houses proposed are three storeys high as well and a lot of people living around the boundary of the site are very concerned about being overlooked."
"This is an area where there's a lot of detached houses and people feel this development would just be out of character."
Meanwhile, Tramore town councillor Blaise Hannigan said the worry was that a "concrete jungle" would be created in one of Tramore's most scenic areas.
"I just think it would go against the beauty of Newtown," he said.
Jennifer Long
© Waterford News and Star
The controversial estate proposed by the Tramore-based McDonald brothers, attracted a whopping 86 objections to Waterford Co. Council but the county's planners have now come under fire for giving it the ‘thumbs up'.
RESIDENTS of a hugely scenic part of Tramore claim a big new housing estate planned for their area would be massively "out of character" there - and have opted to fight its planning permission with an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
The controversial estate proposed by the Tramore-based McDonald brothers, attracted a whopping 86 objections to Waterford Co. Council but the county's planners have now come under fire for giving it the ‘thumbs up'.
Not alone do locals fear that some of the 155 new houses would "tower" over homes in Carrigeenlea and Newtown Glen but they claim the sewerage, water and drainage services in the area - never mind the roads - wouldn't be able to cope with up to 400 extra people.
"We were very surprised, and disappointed, that this estate got planning permission in view of the massive amount of objections put in by residents," a spokesperson for the Newtown Action Group told the Waterford News & Star this week.
"People had a lot of concerns that could have been partly addressed by the planning department in the conditions they imposed on the developers but that never happened."
"In view of this, we as a group representing a number of householders in the area, had no hesitation in lodging an appeal with An Bord Pleanála." "In addition to everything else, the schools in the area can barely cope as it is with the amount of pupils they have. The same is true of the various sports clubs and facilities - all are stretched."
The McDonald brothers, trading as Middlethird Estates Ltd., applied to the County Council back in September 2006 for permission to build 155 houses (two and three storeys in height) on a site at Newtown in Tramore.
They applied separately for permission to provide two apartment blocks on the site (for 26 apartments) and separately again for 26 social and affordable houses on a separate section of the land.
They were later refused permission for the apartments and are in the process now of appealing this to An Bord Pleanála. A decision, meanwhile, has yet to be reached on the social housing.
The plans by the local developers caused uproar in the Newtown area and a staggering 86 objections/submissions were subsequently lodged with the Council against the 155 houses in particular.
In addition to the Newtown Action Group - set up especially to fight the development - these came from a flurry of residents of the Carrigeenlea and Newtown Glen areas as well as the Carrigeenlea Residents Association, the owners of Newtown Cove Caravan Park and Tramore town councillor Blaise Hannigan.
33 CONDITIONS
To the anger of locals, the Council gave the 155 houses the ‘green light' subject to 33 conditions on August 20.
So far, appeals have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála by the Newtown Action Group and Patsy and Philippa Carney of ‘The Coachyard' while the developers themselves are appealing the conditions.
However, appeals will be accepted by the Dublin board for another two weeks so the possibility of more is likely. A final decision on the plans won't be made until December 18 at the earliest.
Speaking this week, Newtown Action Group's spokesperson said there were a lot of concerns in the area about the proposed development and while representatives of the Newtown group had met with the developers to voice these, they hadn't been addressed.
"The main issues are the density of what's proposed in an area where we feel they would be out of character.
The infrastructure also is not able to cope as it is. If you look at water pressure, to give just one example, people have electric showers here and the pressure is so low that the water barely more than trickles out."
"Some of the houses proposed are three storeys high as well and a lot of people living around the boundary of the site are very concerned about being overlooked."
"This is an area where there's a lot of detached houses and people feel this development would just be out of character."
Meanwhile, Tramore town councillor Blaise Hannigan said the worry was that a "concrete jungle" would be created in one of Tramore's most scenic areas.
"I just think it would go against the beauty of Newtown," he said.
Jennifer Long
© Waterford News and Star
Superdump plan gets oral hearing
A CONTROVERSIAL €20 million superdump on the Cork/Limerick border is earmarked for a Bord Pleanála oral hearing.
The planning appeals board has advised the country’s largest private waste operator, Greenstar, that an oral hearing is scheduled between November and next January.
The company — which had a €200m turnover last year — wants to create the landfill at Ballyguyroe, near Kildorrery, to service its entire Munster operation. Its plans were twice turned down by Cork County Council and Bord Pleanála, although the company was granted a licence to operate the Ballyguyroe landfill by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Greenstar chief executive Steve Cowman welcomed the move by An Bord Pleanála to hold a hearing.
“We identified a need for a landfill in Cork. We were turned down because, at the time, the argument against us was that there wasn’t a need as the county council was developing a site at Bottlehill. But that won’t be open for a long time,” Mr Cowman said.
He said that, at present, the council was operating a landfill site in Youghal, but it didn’t have the capacity for Greenstar’s needs.
The company wants to dispose of up to 140,000 tonnes of waste per annum at the Ballyguyroe site, which is surrounded by forestry.
“Due to the shortage of adequate landfill facilities in Cork, we have to take waste from there to places like Dublin and Kildare.
“Transporting waste that far away is expensive and it also leaves a carbon footprint,” the Greenstar chief executive said.
People living in communities near the Ballyguyroe site, which include villages such as Shanballymore, Kildorrery and Ardpatrick, have vowed to fight the project.
Cork County Council had, however, operated a large landfill site in the Ballyguyroe area up until a few years ago but was forced to close following concerted efforts by locals.
Those efforts culminated in a High Court victory for locals in 2001, which forced the council to close the facility.
People in the area said they were plagued by smells and swarms of flies in the summer. They also stated that narrow roads in the area were unsuitable for the large number of refuse trucks using the site.
Mr Cowman acknowledged that people had a fear of landfills in their areas, but insisted Greenstar would run a clean operation if the company obtained planning permission.
“None of our landfills had EPA non-compliance notices last year, whereas there were a number of local authority-run sites which had,” Mr Cowman said.
The company’s proposed facility, he said, would include lining pits and all waste buried in them would be pre-treated.
Irish Examiner
The planning appeals board has advised the country’s largest private waste operator, Greenstar, that an oral hearing is scheduled between November and next January.
The company — which had a €200m turnover last year — wants to create the landfill at Ballyguyroe, near Kildorrery, to service its entire Munster operation. Its plans were twice turned down by Cork County Council and Bord Pleanála, although the company was granted a licence to operate the Ballyguyroe landfill by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Greenstar chief executive Steve Cowman welcomed the move by An Bord Pleanála to hold a hearing.
“We identified a need for a landfill in Cork. We were turned down because, at the time, the argument against us was that there wasn’t a need as the county council was developing a site at Bottlehill. But that won’t be open for a long time,” Mr Cowman said.
He said that, at present, the council was operating a landfill site in Youghal, but it didn’t have the capacity for Greenstar’s needs.
The company wants to dispose of up to 140,000 tonnes of waste per annum at the Ballyguyroe site, which is surrounded by forestry.
“Due to the shortage of adequate landfill facilities in Cork, we have to take waste from there to places like Dublin and Kildare.
“Transporting waste that far away is expensive and it also leaves a carbon footprint,” the Greenstar chief executive said.
People living in communities near the Ballyguyroe site, which include villages such as Shanballymore, Kildorrery and Ardpatrick, have vowed to fight the project.
Cork County Council had, however, operated a large landfill site in the Ballyguyroe area up until a few years ago but was forced to close following concerted efforts by locals.
Those efforts culminated in a High Court victory for locals in 2001, which forced the council to close the facility.
People in the area said they were plagued by smells and swarms of flies in the summer. They also stated that narrow roads in the area were unsuitable for the large number of refuse trucks using the site.
Mr Cowman acknowledged that people had a fear of landfills in their areas, but insisted Greenstar would run a clean operation if the company obtained planning permission.
“None of our landfills had EPA non-compliance notices last year, whereas there were a number of local authority-run sites which had,” Mr Cowman said.
The company’s proposed facility, he said, would include lining pits and all waste buried in them would be pre-treated.
Irish Examiner
Killarney land zoned for housing despite department objections
SUFFICIENT land for about 1,000 further houses in Killarney has been zoned by the local town council — despite strong reservations by the Department of the Environment and the National Roads Authority.
The department’s spatial strategy unit, insisting there was already an oversupply of residential-zoned land, has asked the council to reconsider the proposal, which represents a variation of the town development plan.
The council has, to date, zoned for residential development more than 95 acres in the Flesk valley, along the town’s southern extremity. The zoning decisions have hugely increased its commercial value.
The land has been zoned for a variety of medium and low-density housing, while a further 100 acres in the valley have been zoned for special amenity, tourism, and agriculture.
In recent years, the price of building land has rocketed in Killarney, fetching more than €1 million per acre in prime spots of the town.
An Taisce said the latest residential zonings were premature and represented unsustainable development due to lack of proper access and distance from the town, schools, shops and other facilities.
The National Roads Authority also strongly advised against the “unacceptable” proposals, saying the cost of lands needed for a proposed link road would increase significantly if the zonings went ahead.
Town Clerk Michael O’Leary defended the council’s proposal. He said that while, theoretically, there was enough zoned land in Killarney, a lot of that zoned land was not coming onto the market and was not available for housing.
Senior planner Fiona O’Sullivan said only one housing development, the first in some time, was currently under way within the Killarney town bounds.
The zoning of more land for housing is part of an action plan for the Flesk Valley area drawn up after a motion from Fianna Fáil councillor Brian O’Leary that a parcel of land be rezoned.
The Mill Road has already been described as a rat-run used by people trying to avoid traffic congestion on the town’s Kenmare road through Killarney National Park, also part of the busy Ring of Kerry.
Meanwhile, the roads authority also warned that rezoning so much land for housing would push up the price of much-needed land for a new southern link road, the route of which has not yet been finalised.
“Such proposals, while potentially bringing major financial gains to the property owners involved, would be at variance with the broader public interest,” the roads authority submitted.
Irish Examiner
The department’s spatial strategy unit, insisting there was already an oversupply of residential-zoned land, has asked the council to reconsider the proposal, which represents a variation of the town development plan.
The council has, to date, zoned for residential development more than 95 acres in the Flesk valley, along the town’s southern extremity. The zoning decisions have hugely increased its commercial value.
The land has been zoned for a variety of medium and low-density housing, while a further 100 acres in the valley have been zoned for special amenity, tourism, and agriculture.
In recent years, the price of building land has rocketed in Killarney, fetching more than €1 million per acre in prime spots of the town.
An Taisce said the latest residential zonings were premature and represented unsustainable development due to lack of proper access and distance from the town, schools, shops and other facilities.
The National Roads Authority also strongly advised against the “unacceptable” proposals, saying the cost of lands needed for a proposed link road would increase significantly if the zonings went ahead.
Town Clerk Michael O’Leary defended the council’s proposal. He said that while, theoretically, there was enough zoned land in Killarney, a lot of that zoned land was not coming onto the market and was not available for housing.
Senior planner Fiona O’Sullivan said only one housing development, the first in some time, was currently under way within the Killarney town bounds.
The zoning of more land for housing is part of an action plan for the Flesk Valley area drawn up after a motion from Fianna Fáil councillor Brian O’Leary that a parcel of land be rezoned.
The Mill Road has already been described as a rat-run used by people trying to avoid traffic congestion on the town’s Kenmare road through Killarney National Park, also part of the busy Ring of Kerry.
Meanwhile, the roads authority also warned that rezoning so much land for housing would push up the price of much-needed land for a new southern link road, the route of which has not yet been finalised.
“Such proposals, while potentially bringing major financial gains to the property owners involved, would be at variance with the broader public interest,” the roads authority submitted.
Irish Examiner
€34bn transport plan ‘will not solve congestion’
A SENIOR civil servant has broken ranks to warn that the Government’s multi-billion-euro transport policy will not work in locations where congestion problems are worst.
Dave Fadden, of the Strategic Planning and Policy Division of the Department of Transport, said that the Government’s prized €34.3 billion Transport 21 programme focused entirely on spending money on major transport infrastructure like roads, rail and buses without examining the way transport was used.
“It seems to imply to me that if you invest in infrastructure, you will get a sustainable transport system. You will not by infrastructure alone. There is no mention in it of changes in travel behaviour which is going to be a key element of sustainable transport.”
He said the programme would not be able to keep up with growth in population and car ownership. “With all the investment in Transport 21, at the end of it all, traffic congestion is going to get worse, not because the investment is wrong necessarily, but because growth is going to outstrip it. If we see the solution as investment in supply alone, it’s not going to work.”
Mr Fadden was addressing an international environment conference in Dublin where, he said, commuting distances had doubled since 1990 and average peak time commuting speeds were predicted to fall to just 8km/h by 2016.
Poor planning and policy was not just an urban phenomenon, however, as he cited the case of the west Cork village of Kilcrohane where a new social housing scheme was served by a bus only three times a week. “Every one of the people living there is going to have to have a car,” he said.
Mr Fadden also hit out at planning decisions that allowed intensive construction around new roads. “There is no point building a motorway if you start putting a whole lot of development along it and create more congestion.”
He said political leadership was crucial to tackling the country’s traffic and transport problems. He praised his own minister, Noel Dempsey in transport, for pledging to introduce more pedestrian and cyclist friendly initiatives, but added: “You are going to have to secure extra resources beyond Transport 21 to make that happen”.
“It galls me that cycling is down to 2% of commuters here when in Copenhagen it is 33%. You can bring cycling from 2% up to 10% and beyond that here. It will take 10 years, but it can be done.”
The conference also heard from environmentalist and broadcaster, Duncan Stewart, who said advances in green technology did not reduce carbon emissions from cars in Ireland because people were buying more cars with bigger engines.
Another speaker, John Henry of the Dublin Transportation Office, admitted that major mistakes had been made in the capital, such as the Red Cow roundabout and the building of the M50 as a dual carriageway rather than a three-lane highway, but he asked people not be too harsh in their judgment.
“We knew that the Red Cow interchange would fail, but we did not know how to build anything better so we decided to build it and get 10 years use out of it rather than do nothing.”
Irish Examiner
Dave Fadden, of the Strategic Planning and Policy Division of the Department of Transport, said that the Government’s prized €34.3 billion Transport 21 programme focused entirely on spending money on major transport infrastructure like roads, rail and buses without examining the way transport was used.
“It seems to imply to me that if you invest in infrastructure, you will get a sustainable transport system. You will not by infrastructure alone. There is no mention in it of changes in travel behaviour which is going to be a key element of sustainable transport.”
He said the programme would not be able to keep up with growth in population and car ownership. “With all the investment in Transport 21, at the end of it all, traffic congestion is going to get worse, not because the investment is wrong necessarily, but because growth is going to outstrip it. If we see the solution as investment in supply alone, it’s not going to work.”
Mr Fadden was addressing an international environment conference in Dublin where, he said, commuting distances had doubled since 1990 and average peak time commuting speeds were predicted to fall to just 8km/h by 2016.
Poor planning and policy was not just an urban phenomenon, however, as he cited the case of the west Cork village of Kilcrohane where a new social housing scheme was served by a bus only three times a week. “Every one of the people living there is going to have to have a car,” he said.
Mr Fadden also hit out at planning decisions that allowed intensive construction around new roads. “There is no point building a motorway if you start putting a whole lot of development along it and create more congestion.”
He said political leadership was crucial to tackling the country’s traffic and transport problems. He praised his own minister, Noel Dempsey in transport, for pledging to introduce more pedestrian and cyclist friendly initiatives, but added: “You are going to have to secure extra resources beyond Transport 21 to make that happen”.
“It galls me that cycling is down to 2% of commuters here when in Copenhagen it is 33%. You can bring cycling from 2% up to 10% and beyond that here. It will take 10 years, but it can be done.”
The conference also heard from environmentalist and broadcaster, Duncan Stewart, who said advances in green technology did not reduce carbon emissions from cars in Ireland because people were buying more cars with bigger engines.
Another speaker, John Henry of the Dublin Transportation Office, admitted that major mistakes had been made in the capital, such as the Red Cow roundabout and the building of the M50 as a dual carriageway rather than a three-lane highway, but he asked people not be too harsh in their judgment.
“We knew that the Red Cow interchange would fail, but we did not know how to build anything better so we decided to build it and get 10 years use out of it rather than do nothing.”
Irish Examiner
Rezoning battle over €1.5bn new town plans
A FURIOUS row has broken out in south Tipperary over plans to develop a €1.5bn town on the outskirts of Clonmel.
Former government minister Noel Davern and a sitting local councillor are among those who may sell their land to develop Powerstown, which will provide 3,500 homes and jobs in software development, the biotechnology sector and financial services over a 20 years.
But councillors have been warned that unless they agree to rezone large tracts of land to allow the project go ahead, 300 jobs in the short-term will be lost.
New Vision Developments is urging members of South Tipperary County Council to adopt its proposal to develop 400 acres of land at Powerstown between 2008 and 2028, describing its project as the most "imaginative and progressive" ever to be conceived for Clonmel. The 300 jobs are the first of 3,500 to be located on the site.
The 'Powerstown Quarter' project will transform the 400 acres on the town's outskirts into a fully integrated village comprising 150 new homes per year over the project lifetime, 1m square feet of office space and Research and Development facilities, 20,000 square feet of space for small businesses, 21 retail units, a 100-bedroom hotel, two schools, two community centres and creches.
But the plans face opposition from South Tipperary county manager Ned O'Connor, who has recommended that the 400-acre site be left as a buffer zone with agricultural uses.
Councillors will decide on September 17 next if the controversial plans should proceed.
Mr O'Connor wants most development around Clonmel to take place in the council-owned 280-acre Ballingarrane estate which is earmarked for a business park and research and development facility.
Yesterday, Chief Executive of New Vision Developments, Don Davern, a son of Noel Davern, said the plans for Powerstown were a "long-term vision" for south Tipperary which needed high-quality jobs to attract young people to the area.
He confirmed that his family farm would be redeveloped if the plans were granted planning permission, and warned that 300 jobs would be lost unless councillors voted to rezone the land.
Irish Independent
Former government minister Noel Davern and a sitting local councillor are among those who may sell their land to develop Powerstown, which will provide 3,500 homes and jobs in software development, the biotechnology sector and financial services over a 20 years.
But councillors have been warned that unless they agree to rezone large tracts of land to allow the project go ahead, 300 jobs in the short-term will be lost.
New Vision Developments is urging members of South Tipperary County Council to adopt its proposal to develop 400 acres of land at Powerstown between 2008 and 2028, describing its project as the most "imaginative and progressive" ever to be conceived for Clonmel. The 300 jobs are the first of 3,500 to be located on the site.
The 'Powerstown Quarter' project will transform the 400 acres on the town's outskirts into a fully integrated village comprising 150 new homes per year over the project lifetime, 1m square feet of office space and Research and Development facilities, 20,000 square feet of space for small businesses, 21 retail units, a 100-bedroom hotel, two schools, two community centres and creches.
But the plans face opposition from South Tipperary county manager Ned O'Connor, who has recommended that the 400-acre site be left as a buffer zone with agricultural uses.
Councillors will decide on September 17 next if the controversial plans should proceed.
Mr O'Connor wants most development around Clonmel to take place in the council-owned 280-acre Ballingarrane estate which is earmarked for a business park and research and development facility.
Yesterday, Chief Executive of New Vision Developments, Don Davern, a son of Noel Davern, said the plans for Powerstown were a "long-term vision" for south Tipperary which needed high-quality jobs to attract young people to the area.
He confirmed that his family farm would be redeveloped if the plans were granted planning permission, and warned that 300 jobs would be lost unless councillors voted to rezone the land.
Irish Independent
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Dunne to spend €31m on locals
DEVELOPER Sean Dunne is promising to spend €31m on the local community in an apparent bid to reduce opposition to his plans for a 37-storey skyscraper in Ballsbridge.
Mr Dunne's company Mountbrook Homes is hoping to secure planning permission for the 137-metre tower on a seven-acre site which formerly housed the Jury's Hotel.
His development company yesterday released a statement outlining "a substantial package of social and community gain initiatives for the local area."
It says these will include spending €11m on a new community centre for the Ringsend and Irishtown area.
The company said there could also be "a possible" €5m redevelopment of existing sheltered housing at Sandymount.
Mountbrook has said it will set aside €5m to contribute to local amenities and will also provide art galleries, a cinema, theatre and a fitness centre.
The development company is also proposing to spend €2.5m on a pedestrian bridge over the river Dodder at Shelbourne Road and a further €2.5m on subsidising 30 creche places for children.
New lighting, wider footpaths are promised for Lansdowne road at a cost of €1.6m.
Also, Mountbrook is planning to present Dublin City Council and the Railway Procurement Agency with a feasibility study for extending the LUAS line to Ballsbridge.
Irish Independent
Mr Dunne's company Mountbrook Homes is hoping to secure planning permission for the 137-metre tower on a seven-acre site which formerly housed the Jury's Hotel.
His development company yesterday released a statement outlining "a substantial package of social and community gain initiatives for the local area."
It says these will include spending €11m on a new community centre for the Ringsend and Irishtown area.
The company said there could also be "a possible" €5m redevelopment of existing sheltered housing at Sandymount.
Mountbrook has said it will set aside €5m to contribute to local amenities and will also provide art galleries, a cinema, theatre and a fitness centre.
The development company is also proposing to spend €2.5m on a pedestrian bridge over the river Dodder at Shelbourne Road and a further €2.5m on subsidising 30 creche places for children.
New lighting, wider footpaths are promised for Lansdowne road at a cost of €1.6m.
Also, Mountbrook is planning to present Dublin City Council and the Railway Procurement Agency with a feasibility study for extending the LUAS line to Ballsbridge.
Irish Independent
Cabinet's incineration policy goes up in smoke
THE GOVERNMENT'S long-standing pro-incineration policy went up in smoke yesterday.
Green Environment Minister John Gormley effectively binned the policy when he announced plans to introduce a levy on incinerators, similar to the one that applies for landfills.
The Government's national waste strategy and the hazardous waste policy drawn up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both include the use of waste-to-energy incinerators.
Previous Fianna Fail environment ministers including Noel Dempsey, in whose Meath constituency an incinerator is planned, have backed the need for the facilities, pointing to the European experience for dealing with unwanted waste.
They have pointed to Germany and other countries where the Green Party accept incineration as an environmentally-friendly solution and an alternative to the 'generational toxic timebomb' of landfills.
However, the new minister has accepted his new proposals on waste may financially undermine plans for incineration in Ireland.
Speaking at a major EPA conference in Dublin yesterday, the Green Party leader announced a review on waste policy and said he wants to introduce a levy on incineration, like at landfills, so they are used as a last resort.
He accepted that such proposals could financially undermine incinerators, but claimed current policy gives incentives to waste collectors to use them and this was wrong.
Mr Gormley said he believed that the construction of large-scale incineration facilities could undermine efforts at reducing waste levels and improving recycling in Ireland.
The only major incinerator to get the green light is being located in Mr Gormley's backyard of Ringsend, in the heart of his constituency. He has been a vocal critic of the plan.
His opposition to contracts in which local authorities guarantee a set amount of waste to incinerator operators, and agree to pay-up if the specified target is not reached, could pose difficulties for Dublin City Council over the proposed Ringsend facility.
Mr Gormley stressed yesterday that the changes to incinerator deals were part of a major review of waste policy due to be completed next year.
However, John Ahern of Indaver Ireland, which has secured planning for incinerators in Meath and Cork, said science did not back up the Minister's contention that incineration and landfill are the same.
Mr Ahern said incinerators were much better at limiting the production of greenhouse gases, which cause global warming, and this was backed up by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change involving the world's leading scientists.
He said they would engage in the public consultation review of waste management.
The Indaver boss said a waste to energy plant could be up and running by 2010.And he also supported efforts to bring about higher rates of recycling and waste reduction.
Irish Independent
Green Environment Minister John Gormley effectively binned the policy when he announced plans to introduce a levy on incinerators, similar to the one that applies for landfills.
The Government's national waste strategy and the hazardous waste policy drawn up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both include the use of waste-to-energy incinerators.
Previous Fianna Fail environment ministers including Noel Dempsey, in whose Meath constituency an incinerator is planned, have backed the need for the facilities, pointing to the European experience for dealing with unwanted waste.
They have pointed to Germany and other countries where the Green Party accept incineration as an environmentally-friendly solution and an alternative to the 'generational toxic timebomb' of landfills.
However, the new minister has accepted his new proposals on waste may financially undermine plans for incineration in Ireland.
Speaking at a major EPA conference in Dublin yesterday, the Green Party leader announced a review on waste policy and said he wants to introduce a levy on incineration, like at landfills, so they are used as a last resort.
He accepted that such proposals could financially undermine incinerators, but claimed current policy gives incentives to waste collectors to use them and this was wrong.
Mr Gormley said he believed that the construction of large-scale incineration facilities could undermine efforts at reducing waste levels and improving recycling in Ireland.
The only major incinerator to get the green light is being located in Mr Gormley's backyard of Ringsend, in the heart of his constituency. He has been a vocal critic of the plan.
His opposition to contracts in which local authorities guarantee a set amount of waste to incinerator operators, and agree to pay-up if the specified target is not reached, could pose difficulties for Dublin City Council over the proposed Ringsend facility.
Mr Gormley stressed yesterday that the changes to incinerator deals were part of a major review of waste policy due to be completed next year.
However, John Ahern of Indaver Ireland, which has secured planning for incinerators in Meath and Cork, said science did not back up the Minister's contention that incineration and landfill are the same.
Mr Ahern said incinerators were much better at limiting the production of greenhouse gases, which cause global warming, and this was backed up by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change involving the world's leading scientists.
He said they would engage in the public consultation review of waste management.
The Indaver boss said a waste to energy plant could be up and running by 2010.And he also supported efforts to bring about higher rates of recycling and waste reduction.
Irish Independent
Green light for €92m Fermoy housing project
A LARGE housing project, valued at around €92 million, has just been granted for Fermoy, Co Cork.
The project was welcomed yesterday by local mayor Cllr William Hughes who said the north Cork town had become a very attractive place to reside. He said he expected this to be the first of many significant developments in the area.
Cumnor Construction was granted permission by Cork County planning officials for 309 houses at Coolcarron, near Duntaheen, Fermoy.
“The bypass has made a lot of difference. I know many people boycotted it early on, but more and more are now using it. We are just 20 minutes away from Cork and we have increased water and sewerage services in place. We have a great town to live in with great facilities,” said Cllr Hughes.
Meanwhile, Enniskeane’s population is set to grow with the announcement that developer George Eady has been granted permission by Cork County Council to construct 99 houses there. However, there was bad news for other developers yesterday as they had projects rejected by planning officials.
Donal O’Donovan’s plan for a 72-bed nursing home at Coolmucky, Cloughduv, was turned down. The project included 48 two-bedroom retirement apartments, 16 one-bed bedsits, a bowling green and nature reserve.
Meanwhile, developer Coleman O’Sullivan has lodged a significant planning application at Derrymihin West, Castletownbere.
He wants to build a mix of 74 houses consisting of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes.
As part of the project, Mr O’Sullivan wants to build a crèche and create a local amenity walkway.
Irish Examiner
The project was welcomed yesterday by local mayor Cllr William Hughes who said the north Cork town had become a very attractive place to reside. He said he expected this to be the first of many significant developments in the area.
Cumnor Construction was granted permission by Cork County planning officials for 309 houses at Coolcarron, near Duntaheen, Fermoy.
“The bypass has made a lot of difference. I know many people boycotted it early on, but more and more are now using it. We are just 20 minutes away from Cork and we have increased water and sewerage services in place. We have a great town to live in with great facilities,” said Cllr Hughes.
Meanwhile, Enniskeane’s population is set to grow with the announcement that developer George Eady has been granted permission by Cork County Council to construct 99 houses there. However, there was bad news for other developers yesterday as they had projects rejected by planning officials.
Donal O’Donovan’s plan for a 72-bed nursing home at Coolmucky, Cloughduv, was turned down. The project included 48 two-bedroom retirement apartments, 16 one-bed bedsits, a bowling green and nature reserve.
Meanwhile, developer Coleman O’Sullivan has lodged a significant planning application at Derrymihin West, Castletownbere.
He wants to build a mix of 74 houses consisting of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes.
As part of the project, Mr O’Sullivan wants to build a crèche and create a local amenity walkway.
Irish Examiner
Experts warn of population congestion
DUBLIN’S population is heading for two million but anyone hoping to escape the crowded city for a rural idyll may get a lot less than they bargained for.
Experts have warned of problems brewing with the capital getting more congested while rural Ireland risks becoming one big employment blackspot.
Professor Jim Walsh of NUI Maynooth told an Environmental Protection Agency conference yesterday that if trends continued, the forecast for the rural economy, society and environment by the year 2025 would be “dismal”.
He said 43% of rural dwellers made their living in agriculture, construction or traditional manufacturing, all of which were particularly vulnerable. And he said that commuting long distances to work, normally associated with urban dwellers, was now a feature of rural life and journey times were becoming unsustainable.
Prof Walsh said the National Spatial Strategy, devised under the last government to try to even out population growth across the country by identifying ‘gateways’ and ‘hubs’ for targeted growth, would still leave very large gaps in the countryside that did not come under a cohesive development policy.
“About 43% of the total population lived beyond the commuter hinterlands of all gateways in 2002,” he said. He urged the inclusion of 19 county towns and other significant small towns to the list for development.
He also dismissed the idea that there were too many one-off houses already spoiling the countryside, pointing out that the density of single-owner dwellings was currently five per square kilometre, just one more per square kilometre than before the construction boom of the last 15 years.
He called for a review of rural development policy and expressed disappointment with past efforts. “Something that happens time and again is that we set out aspirations and don’t follow through with them. We need better governance,” he said.
Meanwhile Dublin city manager, John Tierney, told the conference of the urgent need for the capital to find ways of creating more living space within confined boundaries while also improving the quality of homes on offer.
He said on population trends, the 1.66 million living in the Greater Dublin Area would rise to 1.97m in the next nine years.
Irish Examiner
Experts have warned of problems brewing with the capital getting more congested while rural Ireland risks becoming one big employment blackspot.
Professor Jim Walsh of NUI Maynooth told an Environmental Protection Agency conference yesterday that if trends continued, the forecast for the rural economy, society and environment by the year 2025 would be “dismal”.
He said 43% of rural dwellers made their living in agriculture, construction or traditional manufacturing, all of which were particularly vulnerable. And he said that commuting long distances to work, normally associated with urban dwellers, was now a feature of rural life and journey times were becoming unsustainable.
Prof Walsh said the National Spatial Strategy, devised under the last government to try to even out population growth across the country by identifying ‘gateways’ and ‘hubs’ for targeted growth, would still leave very large gaps in the countryside that did not come under a cohesive development policy.
“About 43% of the total population lived beyond the commuter hinterlands of all gateways in 2002,” he said. He urged the inclusion of 19 county towns and other significant small towns to the list for development.
He also dismissed the idea that there were too many one-off houses already spoiling the countryside, pointing out that the density of single-owner dwellings was currently five per square kilometre, just one more per square kilometre than before the construction boom of the last 15 years.
He called for a review of rural development policy and expressed disappointment with past efforts. “Something that happens time and again is that we set out aspirations and don’t follow through with them. We need better governance,” he said.
Meanwhile Dublin city manager, John Tierney, told the conference of the urgent need for the capital to find ways of creating more living space within confined boundaries while also improving the quality of homes on offer.
He said on population trends, the 1.66 million living in the Greater Dublin Area would rise to 1.97m in the next nine years.
Irish Examiner
Gormley: government agreed waste levies
ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley has denied trying to influence decisions on controversial incinerator projects by announcing plans to make incineration less profitable for waste companies.
Mr Gormley said yesterday he believed waste contractors should have to pay levies to use incinerators in the same way that they currently pay for landfill. He also said he was considering preventing local authorities from making so-called “put or pay” deals guaranteeing to supply incineration firms with public waste or pay them cash compensation if waste flows fall below the required level.
The minister and Green Party leader told an environmental conference that if incinerators were built, they would put back efforts to find alternative ways of tackling the country’s waste problem by 25 years. “The waste hierarchy is sacrosanct,” he said. “Reduce, reuse and recycle come first — incineration and landfill are at the very bottom.”
Mr Gormley made his comments as An Bord Pleanála prepares to rule on a divisive incinerator proposal at Ringsend, in his own Dublin South East constituency, and as the courts prepare to consider a legal challenge to the Indaver incinerator project intended for Ringaskiddy in Cork.
He denied, however, that he was attempting to influence the progress of these and other proposals coming down the line: “I am not interfering. This is part of the Programme for Government and it was agreed by all parties. I am precluded from commenting on any application but I have to plan for the future.”
The minister said he would be considering MBT (mechanical biological treatment) as an alternative to incineration in a major review of waste policy which he said would begin before the end of the year and would be completed next year.
Managing director of Indaver Ireland, John Ahern, said he welcomed the review as he was confident incineration would be found to be a better option than MBT: “With MBT, about 70% of what goes into it, comes back out so you still need incineration to deal with the residual waste.”
He said that MBT could not be used on hazardous waste so it was not a viable alternative to the Ringaskiddy incinerator: “If, as the minister says, the review will be considering all the scientific evidence, we’ll be ok because the science backs incineration over MBT.”
Mr Gormley announced several other measures as part of a strengthened environmental policy. He said an advisory Climate Change Commission would be set up comprising experts from the fields of economics, science and the environment, with discussions to begin on the membership this week.
He said his department was also pursuing several pilot projects for harvesting rainwater for drinking supplies and he was keen to boost the NGO sector by including representatives from environmental groups as social partners.
Irish Examiner
Mr Gormley said yesterday he believed waste contractors should have to pay levies to use incinerators in the same way that they currently pay for landfill. He also said he was considering preventing local authorities from making so-called “put or pay” deals guaranteeing to supply incineration firms with public waste or pay them cash compensation if waste flows fall below the required level.
The minister and Green Party leader told an environmental conference that if incinerators were built, they would put back efforts to find alternative ways of tackling the country’s waste problem by 25 years. “The waste hierarchy is sacrosanct,” he said. “Reduce, reuse and recycle come first — incineration and landfill are at the very bottom.”
Mr Gormley made his comments as An Bord Pleanála prepares to rule on a divisive incinerator proposal at Ringsend, in his own Dublin South East constituency, and as the courts prepare to consider a legal challenge to the Indaver incinerator project intended for Ringaskiddy in Cork.
He denied, however, that he was attempting to influence the progress of these and other proposals coming down the line: “I am not interfering. This is part of the Programme for Government and it was agreed by all parties. I am precluded from commenting on any application but I have to plan for the future.”
The minister said he would be considering MBT (mechanical biological treatment) as an alternative to incineration in a major review of waste policy which he said would begin before the end of the year and would be completed next year.
Managing director of Indaver Ireland, John Ahern, said he welcomed the review as he was confident incineration would be found to be a better option than MBT: “With MBT, about 70% of what goes into it, comes back out so you still need incineration to deal with the residual waste.”
He said that MBT could not be used on hazardous waste so it was not a viable alternative to the Ringaskiddy incinerator: “If, as the minister says, the review will be considering all the scientific evidence, we’ll be ok because the science backs incineration over MBT.”
Mr Gormley announced several other measures as part of a strengthened environmental policy. He said an advisory Climate Change Commission would be set up comprising experts from the fields of economics, science and the environment, with discussions to begin on the membership this week.
He said his department was also pursuing several pilot projects for harvesting rainwater for drinking supplies and he was keen to boost the NGO sector by including representatives from environmental groups as social partners.
Irish Examiner
Green minister cuts renewable technologies incentive
THE Government is slashing grants to homeowners who use renewable technologies in their homes by as much as 50% — and it is a Green Party minister who is behind the incentive cuts.
The initial scheme was set up in April 2006 with a budget of €20 million.
It was supposed to last for five years. However, even though the budget was inflated to €47m, 16,000 grants have snapped up all the money and the Government is bringing it to an end.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday said the Greener Homes scheme had “fulfilled its initial objectives, surpassed its targets ahead of schedule and fully committed its budget allocation”.
However, he is introducing another scheme which cuts the incentive to avail of green technology.
According to the Government, the number of businesses creating renewable technologies has increased by 160% and the number of products they offer has grown tenfold.
Mr Ryan said he did not want to end the scheme but would have to “‘revise the terms and conditions to continue the good work”.
Householders would have received a grant of €4,200 for installing a biomass boiler, but will now receive just €3,000.
“I will be securing additional funding for this new phase via the supplementary estimates process when the Dáil resumes. The additional funding will also allow Sustainable Energy Ireland to fund similar energy grants for lower-income housing, school and community schemes and the roll-out of other innovative heating technologies,” he said.
His party colleague and fellow Government minister John Gormley would soon be introducing regulations requiring the use of renewable energy systems in new buildings, he said.
“This regulatory support for renewables is the logical next step in our support for the industry,” said Mr Ryan.
Irish Examiner
The initial scheme was set up in April 2006 with a budget of €20 million.
It was supposed to last for five years. However, even though the budget was inflated to €47m, 16,000 grants have snapped up all the money and the Government is bringing it to an end.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday said the Greener Homes scheme had “fulfilled its initial objectives, surpassed its targets ahead of schedule and fully committed its budget allocation”.
However, he is introducing another scheme which cuts the incentive to avail of green technology.
According to the Government, the number of businesses creating renewable technologies has increased by 160% and the number of products they offer has grown tenfold.
Mr Ryan said he did not want to end the scheme but would have to “‘revise the terms and conditions to continue the good work”.
Householders would have received a grant of €4,200 for installing a biomass boiler, but will now receive just €3,000.
“I will be securing additional funding for this new phase via the supplementary estimates process when the Dáil resumes. The additional funding will also allow Sustainable Energy Ireland to fund similar energy grants for lower-income housing, school and community schemes and the roll-out of other innovative heating technologies,” he said.
His party colleague and fellow Government minister John Gormley would soon be introducing regulations requiring the use of renewable energy systems in new buildings, he said.
“This regulatory support for renewables is the logical next step in our support for the industry,” said Mr Ryan.
Irish Examiner
Monday, 3 September 2007
Plans stuck in a tunnel
The grossly under-used Dublin Port Tunnel is typical of our entire infrastructure fiasco.
Driving through an eerily empty Port Tunnel the other day, I began to ask myself, why did we build it? It is practically empty all the time.
This is the biggest infrastructural project the State has ever undertaken. It has a capacity of 55,000 cars per day, but recent figures suggest that only 12,000 a week - not a day - are using it.
This means that the Port Tunnel is working at 2 per cent capacity. Granted it gets the trucks out of the city, but at nearly three quarter of a billion euro, you’d expect a bit more.
Obviously the pricing is all wrong. There must be a price at which the trucks are happy and the drivers of Dublin can use a tunnel that their taxes paid for. As things stand, we have a piece of engineering which no one uses.
So we pay through the nose for a huge piece of infrastructure that the state prices out of the market. The expression ‘‘build it and they will come’’ is familiar enough, but ‘‘build it and turn ’em away’’ is a new one to me.
Yet the Port Tunnel fiasco simply highlights the entire road building mess in our country. If you are interested in savouring the rivalry ahead of the All Ireland football final, a trip to the Cork/Kerry border is well worth it.
You will also notice how much better the roads are in south Kerry than West Cork. You move from old asphalt to new tar. If you don’t believe me, drive from Kenmare to Castletownbere. The road in Kerry is flat and smooth. As soon as you cross the county line, the same road changes surface.
The reason for this is simple Strokeonomics. It is economics Irish style, when the local government and the local politicians join forces to build infrastructure based on electoral boundaries rather than engineering logic. What other country has roads determined by county boundaries?
The all-Ireland approach to economics prevails. In the all-Ireland economics, the county boundary is sacrosanct. What generates great sport generates bad economics, as it cultivates a parochial partisanship that is necessary for the Stroke.
Strokeonomics enfeebles all of us because the tax money of the central government is used to prop up the ambitions of the little emperors who masquerade as politicians in Ireland.
How hard is it to build a proper road? In other countries, Portugal being a good example, the road network has been upgraded substantially in the past ten years. But that would be too simple.
Here, with the exception of the Dublin-to-Belfast route which is the infrastructural equivalent of Ireland’s Call - constructed to be nice to Protestants - everything is a shambles. So much so that Irish people still, despite being the second wealthiest race in the world on paper, marvel at a dual carriageway that would be standard in Mexico.
We talk about the ‘‘great stretch of road’’. What exactly does this expression tell you about our expectations? This brings us to the National Development Plan or, as it’s known in some quarters, Transport 2021.Only a recovering socialist could have come up with the title Transport 2021. It has all the ceremony of a superannuated five year plan.
The beauty is, like all good socialist targets - apart from the gulag - it’s sufficiently far ahead into the future that the present lot will not be around to answer for it. The term ‘transport’ is so ludicrously vague as to be meaningless. But it sounds good.
Most of us think that Ireland has changed. Gombeen Ireland can’t exist still, surely? Take a deep breath. Are you sitting comfortably because, in the past few years the ESRI published two comprehensive reports on how much we are spending, where and why (ESRI Policy Research Papers No 50 and 59 www.esri.ie).
Up until then, nobody knew what was going on. The government’s spin-doctors did their best to quash this report and on reading it, I’m not surprised they didn’t try to burn it.
A picture of total chaos emerges, where there is hardly any overall strategy. No one knows why things are being built and there is absolutely no framework. Roads are planned, like a proposed motorway to Waterford, based on evidence that traffic is not once, or three times, but ten times below the capacity necessary to justify such spending. But then again the minister was from Waterford and he had to deliver.
But it gets worse, because the report reveals that no single road project that has been proposed by local councils and local politicians has been turned down in six years.
How can you pretend to have an assessment board if it doesn’t assess anything? Like the Port Tunnel, no one is assessing value for money. It is calamitous.
The ERSI found that Ireland suffered ‘‘abnormal delays’’ on all public infrastructure projects. That much we knew, but much more worrying is the fact that there is no overall model anywhere that links up all the bits of infrastructure. Roads are sanctioned by the local vested interests and that’s it.
But it gets worse. There is no systematic plan for public transport either. The ESRI study says clearly that one knows what to prioritise. The Strokeonomics approach is ‘‘we have the money, let’s just spend the stuff before it runs out’’. It’s a ‘‘jobs for the boys’’ bonanza and the idea is to grab what’s going.
According to the ESRI, all the ‘‘studies (for transport) have been prepared by different authors, for different organisations using different assumptions’’. There is ‘‘no framework for analysis’’ and when referring to the Metro, new Luas and Dublin Bus plans for the future, the state ‘‘does not appear to have analysed how the different elements of the transport network they are considering would interact with each other’’.
Ask yourself the question, cui bono - who benefits? Let’s leave it at one last figure, before we get too depressed. In the period of this government from 1996 to 2006, inflation rose by 30 per cent, but the price of road construction went up by 70 per cent. The 40 per cent difference was stroked away, trousered by insiders and paid for by you, the eejit. On the outside - the taxpayer.
Even when it’s totally obvious that Strokeonomics is ripping us off, the insiders just put their heads down brazenly, lying and pretending to forget. We carry on as if it was the most normal thing in the world - or worse still, concluding there is nothing that can be done.
David McWilliams’s new book, The Generation Game, is published this month. www.davidmcwilliams.ie
Sunday Business Post
Driving through an eerily empty Port Tunnel the other day, I began to ask myself, why did we build it? It is practically empty all the time.
This is the biggest infrastructural project the State has ever undertaken. It has a capacity of 55,000 cars per day, but recent figures suggest that only 12,000 a week - not a day - are using it.
This means that the Port Tunnel is working at 2 per cent capacity. Granted it gets the trucks out of the city, but at nearly three quarter of a billion euro, you’d expect a bit more.
Obviously the pricing is all wrong. There must be a price at which the trucks are happy and the drivers of Dublin can use a tunnel that their taxes paid for. As things stand, we have a piece of engineering which no one uses.
So we pay through the nose for a huge piece of infrastructure that the state prices out of the market. The expression ‘‘build it and they will come’’ is familiar enough, but ‘‘build it and turn ’em away’’ is a new one to me.
Yet the Port Tunnel fiasco simply highlights the entire road building mess in our country. If you are interested in savouring the rivalry ahead of the All Ireland football final, a trip to the Cork/Kerry border is well worth it.
You will also notice how much better the roads are in south Kerry than West Cork. You move from old asphalt to new tar. If you don’t believe me, drive from Kenmare to Castletownbere. The road in Kerry is flat and smooth. As soon as you cross the county line, the same road changes surface.
The reason for this is simple Strokeonomics. It is economics Irish style, when the local government and the local politicians join forces to build infrastructure based on electoral boundaries rather than engineering logic. What other country has roads determined by county boundaries?
The all-Ireland approach to economics prevails. In the all-Ireland economics, the county boundary is sacrosanct. What generates great sport generates bad economics, as it cultivates a parochial partisanship that is necessary for the Stroke.
Strokeonomics enfeebles all of us because the tax money of the central government is used to prop up the ambitions of the little emperors who masquerade as politicians in Ireland.
How hard is it to build a proper road? In other countries, Portugal being a good example, the road network has been upgraded substantially in the past ten years. But that would be too simple.
Here, with the exception of the Dublin-to-Belfast route which is the infrastructural equivalent of Ireland’s Call - constructed to be nice to Protestants - everything is a shambles. So much so that Irish people still, despite being the second wealthiest race in the world on paper, marvel at a dual carriageway that would be standard in Mexico.
We talk about the ‘‘great stretch of road’’. What exactly does this expression tell you about our expectations? This brings us to the National Development Plan or, as it’s known in some quarters, Transport 2021.Only a recovering socialist could have come up with the title Transport 2021. It has all the ceremony of a superannuated five year plan.
The beauty is, like all good socialist targets - apart from the gulag - it’s sufficiently far ahead into the future that the present lot will not be around to answer for it. The term ‘transport’ is so ludicrously vague as to be meaningless. But it sounds good.
Most of us think that Ireland has changed. Gombeen Ireland can’t exist still, surely? Take a deep breath. Are you sitting comfortably because, in the past few years the ESRI published two comprehensive reports on how much we are spending, where and why (ESRI Policy Research Papers No 50 and 59 www.esri.ie).
Up until then, nobody knew what was going on. The government’s spin-doctors did their best to quash this report and on reading it, I’m not surprised they didn’t try to burn it.
A picture of total chaos emerges, where there is hardly any overall strategy. No one knows why things are being built and there is absolutely no framework. Roads are planned, like a proposed motorway to Waterford, based on evidence that traffic is not once, or three times, but ten times below the capacity necessary to justify such spending. But then again the minister was from Waterford and he had to deliver.
But it gets worse, because the report reveals that no single road project that has been proposed by local councils and local politicians has been turned down in six years.
How can you pretend to have an assessment board if it doesn’t assess anything? Like the Port Tunnel, no one is assessing value for money. It is calamitous.
The ERSI found that Ireland suffered ‘‘abnormal delays’’ on all public infrastructure projects. That much we knew, but much more worrying is the fact that there is no overall model anywhere that links up all the bits of infrastructure. Roads are sanctioned by the local vested interests and that’s it.
But it gets worse. There is no systematic plan for public transport either. The ESRI study says clearly that one knows what to prioritise. The Strokeonomics approach is ‘‘we have the money, let’s just spend the stuff before it runs out’’. It’s a ‘‘jobs for the boys’’ bonanza and the idea is to grab what’s going.
According to the ESRI, all the ‘‘studies (for transport) have been prepared by different authors, for different organisations using different assumptions’’. There is ‘‘no framework for analysis’’ and when referring to the Metro, new Luas and Dublin Bus plans for the future, the state ‘‘does not appear to have analysed how the different elements of the transport network they are considering would interact with each other’’.
Ask yourself the question, cui bono - who benefits? Let’s leave it at one last figure, before we get too depressed. In the period of this government from 1996 to 2006, inflation rose by 30 per cent, but the price of road construction went up by 70 per cent. The 40 per cent difference was stroked away, trousered by insiders and paid for by you, the eejit. On the outside - the taxpayer.
Even when it’s totally obvious that Strokeonomics is ripping us off, the insiders just put their heads down brazenly, lying and pretending to forget. We carry on as if it was the most normal thing in the world - or worse still, concluding there is nothing that can be done.
David McWilliams’s new book, The Generation Game, is published this month. www.davidmcwilliams.ie
Sunday Business Post
Protecting the economy of the environment
Ireland’s growing consumerism is posing challenges for the environment, according to the director general of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mary Kelly.
‘‘The problem for Ireland is that our economic growth over the last number of years has made us so affluent and made us into more of a consumer society,” she said.
That affluence means that people have more effect on the environment, a situation Kelly hopes to change. She said a cultural shift was needed to make Irish people more aware of their environment and the importance of making small changes in their day-to-day living.
Kelly has a busy week ahead, as environmental policymakers meet this week at the third annual Environment Ireland conference to discuss the key challenges facing the Irish environment. The conference is organised in association with the EPA and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the two-day conference on Monday and Tuesday, making it Ireland’s largest conference on environmental policy and management.
Delegates will be looking to the future, with the theme of ‘Towards 2020: the environment in Ireland’s future’.
‘‘We’ve mapped out six priorities - climate change, clean water, clean air, sustainable use of resources, soils and biodiversity and the enforcement and integration of the environment into other areas like economic policy,’’ Kelly said.
Despite environmental issues featuring strongly in the media and on the political agenda - particularly with the Green Party in government - Kelly said there was much work to be done. Creating a greener environment should be a priority for all groups in society, she said.
‘‘One of the things we said at the outset was that, while we can set an EPA vision for Ireland’s environment in 2020,we cannot achieve it on our own. We are very conscious that we are not the sole people with responsibility for the environment.
‘‘Part of the challenge for us is to engage with all the other stakeholders. Part of the challenge is how you get people to line up with you. It’s not just official Ireland, it’s everybody,” she said.
Kelly said environmental issues had come to the fore in recent years and were featuring more prominently on the political agenda. She said that the role of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in chairing a cabinet sub-committee on climate change was evidence of the increased important of the environment in political circles.
‘‘I’d say ten years ago that would not have been a runner,” she added.
The EPA last week launched a report on climate change conducted by the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Unit (Icarus) at NUI Maynooth.
The report indicated that the signals of climate change were evident in recent Irish meteorological records, with average temperatures rising by just under one degree Celsius in the last 100 years.
‘‘It is necessary to consider and develop actions which will allow us to adapt to future climate conditions in order to avoid adverse impacts,” Kelly said.
She said the reference to sustainable use of resources in the EPA plan also related to waste management.
‘‘What’s more important than waste management is not having the waste in the first place. Instead of calling it waste management, we have actually said sustainable use of resources. We are trying to prevent the amount of waste being created,” she said.
Enforcing environmental legislation is another issue that Ireland needs to address, according to Kelly.
‘‘It is very important that when you have environmental laws, you enforce them. Ireland has not got a great record with the [European] Commission. Now that we are an affluent country, we can longer drag our heels and not comply with directives,” she said.
Kelly said Ireland needed to improve its record in a number of specific areas, such as dealing with waste, the provision of clean water and also the preservation of bird habitats.
The EPA is also responsible for licensing waste facilities, large-scale industrial activities, intensive agriculture and large petrol-storage facilities. It conducts more than 2,000 audits a year on EPA-licensed facilities.
‘‘A big part of what we do is as a regulator. We regulate big industry and also the whole waste industry. We issue licences and all of our licences have very strict conditions on them. It’s up to us then to enforce those conditions,” said Kelly.
She said it was very unusual for a licence application to be rejected, given that any company applying would know the standards in place.
‘‘In general, a company applying to us will have read all the guidance and will often hire consultants to help them put the application together. It’s a complex procedure. We would want to know every emission from every emission point. We would have told them what the limits were and they would have to achieve them.
‘‘The planning system and the environmental licensing system are very separate, yet parallel systems. So, for example, if a company is going to situate in Ireland, it needs to get planning permission and it needs to separately get an environmental licence.
‘‘We don’t require a company to have planning permission before they come to us. Companies can progress the two applications at the same time. It’s not a given that if they get planning permission, they will definitely be granted a licence from us or vice versa.”
Another part of the EPA’s brief is quantifying Ireland’s emissions of greenhouse gases and implementing the Emissions Trading Directive.
There are more than 100 companies - each of which is a major generator of carbon dioxide - in Ireland involved in the scheme, which allows companies to trade allowances for carbon emissions. The emission allowances are traded across Europe, as with any other commodity.
‘‘What we have gone through to date is a pilot phase. We’ll be into the Kyoto phase from2008 to 2012,when penalties will start to apply. There are 120 or so firms in Ireland and 12,000 across Europe that have to engage with it,’’ Kelly said.
The EPA will launch a geographic information system (GIS) at this week’s conference. This free mapping service, which will be available on the EPA website, will allow people to get a snapshot of their local environment.
The service, which Kelly likened to Google Earth, will help people to find out about facilities with EPA licences in their area, along with environmental issues, including local water and air quality.
What is the EPA?
The Environmental Protection Agency is an independent statutory public body responsible for protecting the environment in Ireland.
It was established in July 1993, under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. It regulates and polices activities that may cause pollution, as well as collating information on environmental trends.
Mary Kelly took over as director general of the EPA in May 2002,after working for employers’ body Ibec in an environmental policy role.
She was involved in setting up Repak, the packaging recycling initiative, and was also a member of Comhar and the committee of the EPA.
Kelly holds a PhD in Chemistry from Trinity College Dublin and an MBA from Dublin City University.
Sunday Business Post
‘‘The problem for Ireland is that our economic growth over the last number of years has made us so affluent and made us into more of a consumer society,” she said.
That affluence means that people have more effect on the environment, a situation Kelly hopes to change. She said a cultural shift was needed to make Irish people more aware of their environment and the importance of making small changes in their day-to-day living.
Kelly has a busy week ahead, as environmental policymakers meet this week at the third annual Environment Ireland conference to discuss the key challenges facing the Irish environment. The conference is organised in association with the EPA and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the two-day conference on Monday and Tuesday, making it Ireland’s largest conference on environmental policy and management.
Delegates will be looking to the future, with the theme of ‘Towards 2020: the environment in Ireland’s future’.
‘‘We’ve mapped out six priorities - climate change, clean water, clean air, sustainable use of resources, soils and biodiversity and the enforcement and integration of the environment into other areas like economic policy,’’ Kelly said.
Despite environmental issues featuring strongly in the media and on the political agenda - particularly with the Green Party in government - Kelly said there was much work to be done. Creating a greener environment should be a priority for all groups in society, she said.
‘‘One of the things we said at the outset was that, while we can set an EPA vision for Ireland’s environment in 2020,we cannot achieve it on our own. We are very conscious that we are not the sole people with responsibility for the environment.
‘‘Part of the challenge for us is to engage with all the other stakeholders. Part of the challenge is how you get people to line up with you. It’s not just official Ireland, it’s everybody,” she said.
Kelly said environmental issues had come to the fore in recent years and were featuring more prominently on the political agenda. She said that the role of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in chairing a cabinet sub-committee on climate change was evidence of the increased important of the environment in political circles.
‘‘I’d say ten years ago that would not have been a runner,” she added.
The EPA last week launched a report on climate change conducted by the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Unit (Icarus) at NUI Maynooth.
The report indicated that the signals of climate change were evident in recent Irish meteorological records, with average temperatures rising by just under one degree Celsius in the last 100 years.
‘‘It is necessary to consider and develop actions which will allow us to adapt to future climate conditions in order to avoid adverse impacts,” Kelly said.
She said the reference to sustainable use of resources in the EPA plan also related to waste management.
‘‘What’s more important than waste management is not having the waste in the first place. Instead of calling it waste management, we have actually said sustainable use of resources. We are trying to prevent the amount of waste being created,” she said.
Enforcing environmental legislation is another issue that Ireland needs to address, according to Kelly.
‘‘It is very important that when you have environmental laws, you enforce them. Ireland has not got a great record with the [European] Commission. Now that we are an affluent country, we can longer drag our heels and not comply with directives,” she said.
Kelly said Ireland needed to improve its record in a number of specific areas, such as dealing with waste, the provision of clean water and also the preservation of bird habitats.
The EPA is also responsible for licensing waste facilities, large-scale industrial activities, intensive agriculture and large petrol-storage facilities. It conducts more than 2,000 audits a year on EPA-licensed facilities.
‘‘A big part of what we do is as a regulator. We regulate big industry and also the whole waste industry. We issue licences and all of our licences have very strict conditions on them. It’s up to us then to enforce those conditions,” said Kelly.
She said it was very unusual for a licence application to be rejected, given that any company applying would know the standards in place.
‘‘In general, a company applying to us will have read all the guidance and will often hire consultants to help them put the application together. It’s a complex procedure. We would want to know every emission from every emission point. We would have told them what the limits were and they would have to achieve them.
‘‘The planning system and the environmental licensing system are very separate, yet parallel systems. So, for example, if a company is going to situate in Ireland, it needs to get planning permission and it needs to separately get an environmental licence.
‘‘We don’t require a company to have planning permission before they come to us. Companies can progress the two applications at the same time. It’s not a given that if they get planning permission, they will definitely be granted a licence from us or vice versa.”
Another part of the EPA’s brief is quantifying Ireland’s emissions of greenhouse gases and implementing the Emissions Trading Directive.
There are more than 100 companies - each of which is a major generator of carbon dioxide - in Ireland involved in the scheme, which allows companies to trade allowances for carbon emissions. The emission allowances are traded across Europe, as with any other commodity.
‘‘What we have gone through to date is a pilot phase. We’ll be into the Kyoto phase from2008 to 2012,when penalties will start to apply. There are 120 or so firms in Ireland and 12,000 across Europe that have to engage with it,’’ Kelly said.
The EPA will launch a geographic information system (GIS) at this week’s conference. This free mapping service, which will be available on the EPA website, will allow people to get a snapshot of their local environment.
The service, which Kelly likened to Google Earth, will help people to find out about facilities with EPA licences in their area, along with environmental issues, including local water and air quality.
What is the EPA?
The Environmental Protection Agency is an independent statutory public body responsible for protecting the environment in Ireland.
It was established in July 1993, under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. It regulates and polices activities that may cause pollution, as well as collating information on environmental trends.
Mary Kelly took over as director general of the EPA in May 2002,after working for employers’ body Ibec in an environmental policy role.
She was involved in setting up Repak, the packaging recycling initiative, and was also a member of Comhar and the committee of the EPA.
Kelly holds a PhD in Chemistry from Trinity College Dublin and an MBA from Dublin City University.
Sunday Business Post
Government to strip councils of waste powers
The government will strip local authorities of all regulatory powers over waste management as part of a national review of the €1.5 billion sector, the Sunday Business Post has learned.
The move is expected to lead to a major showdown between the government and local authorities, who believe they must retain their regulatory position to protect their lucrative status as waste service providers.
Senior government sources said there was a consensus among Fianna Fail and Green Party ministers that councils should no longer regulate waste markets in which they are also major service providers.
However, officials have yet to decide on whether to create a national waste management regulator, which was one of the options proposed by former environment minister Dick Roche last year.
It is understood that one proposal being mooted is the complete removal of local authorities from the business of providing waste services. In that case, they could retain some minor regulatory control, but would lose a multimillion euro revenue stream.
However, that proposal seems unlikely to be agreed upon. One well-placed government source said that several major private waste companies are ‘‘entirely open to the idea of an independent waste regulator, or some such mechanism, given the relationship they have with local authority management’’.
Private waste company Panda last month claimed that Dublin City Council, which oversees waste management for the entire Dublin area, was attempting to skew the market in favour of supporting the controversial Poolbeg Incineration project.
Panda said the council was diverting a set amount of municipal waste to the facility, as part of the council’s proposed variation to the Dublin Waste Management Plan 2005-2010.
The government’s plans to end local authorities’ control over waste management follows environment minister John Gormley’s stern rebuke to councils which act contrary to national policy in their support for mass scale incineration and landfill.
Gormley evoked his powers under Section 60 of the Waste Management Act to instruct county managers nationwide that they will be prevented from entering into agreements to divert set amounts of municipal waste to major landfill and incineration operators.
Gormley’s move significantly diminished the viability of future incineration projects.
Sunday Business Post
The move is expected to lead to a major showdown between the government and local authorities, who believe they must retain their regulatory position to protect their lucrative status as waste service providers.
Senior government sources said there was a consensus among Fianna Fail and Green Party ministers that councils should no longer regulate waste markets in which they are also major service providers.
However, officials have yet to decide on whether to create a national waste management regulator, which was one of the options proposed by former environment minister Dick Roche last year.
It is understood that one proposal being mooted is the complete removal of local authorities from the business of providing waste services. In that case, they could retain some minor regulatory control, but would lose a multimillion euro revenue stream.
However, that proposal seems unlikely to be agreed upon. One well-placed government source said that several major private waste companies are ‘‘entirely open to the idea of an independent waste regulator, or some such mechanism, given the relationship they have with local authority management’’.
Private waste company Panda last month claimed that Dublin City Council, which oversees waste management for the entire Dublin area, was attempting to skew the market in favour of supporting the controversial Poolbeg Incineration project.
Panda said the council was diverting a set amount of municipal waste to the facility, as part of the council’s proposed variation to the Dublin Waste Management Plan 2005-2010.
The government’s plans to end local authorities’ control over waste management follows environment minister John Gormley’s stern rebuke to councils which act contrary to national policy in their support for mass scale incineration and landfill.
Gormley evoked his powers under Section 60 of the Waste Management Act to instruct county managers nationwide that they will be prevented from entering into agreements to divert set amounts of municipal waste to major landfill and incineration operators.
Gormley’s move significantly diminished the viability of future incineration projects.
Sunday Business Post
'Wet house' building plan shelved
A PLAN to build a 'wet house' for homeless people has been shelved after opposition from local residents.
The Novas Initiatives organisation had been promised a grant of €1.1m from the Government to open a 10-bed facility in two former residential houses in Thurles, Co Tipperary.
However, it sparked off a large protest from residents who had not been consulted about the move and feared it would bring drug addicts and alcoholics into their area.
Independent TD Michael Lowry said the company had agreed to a compromise proposal which would cater for homeless people who did not have alcohol or drug problems.
The purchase of No 55 and No 56 Mitchel Street for €290,000 and €270,000 respectively was carried out by private treaty last April. It was only later that residents learned the houses had been sold to the Novas Initiatives organisation
Under the compromise proposal, one of the houses will be bought back by North Tipperary County Council for use in its housing programme.
The other house will be used by Novas Initiatives to house homeless people, on condition they are from the Thurles area and do not have addiction problems. This will be discussed with local residents at a meeting next week.
The €1m grant from the Department of the Environment is expected to be withdrawn.
Mr Lowry said the plan to build a wet house in Mitchel Street had been badly handled from the start.
"There was no prior consultation either with public representatives or local residents. As a result, it has become a divisive issue."
However, the Mitchell Street Residents and Business Association said it wanted the project abandoned altogether.
Its spokeswoman Cait Breathnach, who owns a local butchers shop next door with her husband, said that enough anxiety and fear had been brought upon the area.
"Many of our retired citizens, having worked hard and paid their dues pre-Celtic Tiger, are entitled to a bit of tranquility in their twilight years."
However, Mrs Breathnach added residents in Mitchell Street were not motivated simply by 'NIMBY-ism' (Not in My Back Yard).
Irish Independent
The Novas Initiatives organisation had been promised a grant of €1.1m from the Government to open a 10-bed facility in two former residential houses in Thurles, Co Tipperary.
However, it sparked off a large protest from residents who had not been consulted about the move and feared it would bring drug addicts and alcoholics into their area.
Independent TD Michael Lowry said the company had agreed to a compromise proposal which would cater for homeless people who did not have alcohol or drug problems.
The purchase of No 55 and No 56 Mitchel Street for €290,000 and €270,000 respectively was carried out by private treaty last April. It was only later that residents learned the houses had been sold to the Novas Initiatives organisation
Under the compromise proposal, one of the houses will be bought back by North Tipperary County Council for use in its housing programme.
The other house will be used by Novas Initiatives to house homeless people, on condition they are from the Thurles area and do not have addiction problems. This will be discussed with local residents at a meeting next week.
The €1m grant from the Department of the Environment is expected to be withdrawn.
Mr Lowry said the plan to build a wet house in Mitchel Street had been badly handled from the start.
"There was no prior consultation either with public representatives or local residents. As a result, it has become a divisive issue."
However, the Mitchell Street Residents and Business Association said it wanted the project abandoned altogether.
Its spokeswoman Cait Breathnach, who owns a local butchers shop next door with her husband, said that enough anxiety and fear had been brought upon the area.
"Many of our retired citizens, having worked hard and paid their dues pre-Celtic Tiger, are entitled to a bit of tranquility in their twilight years."
However, Mrs Breathnach added residents in Mitchell Street were not motivated simply by 'NIMBY-ism' (Not in My Back Yard).
Irish Independent
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