INDAVER IRELAND is to reduce by 40 per cent the size of its twin incinerator proposal for Cork.
The decision will not affect the capacity of either of the company’s proposed hazardous or municipal waste incinerators. Both incinerators are to operate as separate “lines” within the same building at Ringaskiddy.
The reduction in building size was announced yesterday in response to a request for further information from An Bord Pleanála, which is considering a planning application for the facility, which it is proposed could handle up to 100,000 tonnes a year of hazardous waste, and 120,000 tonnes of municipal waste.
According to Indaver, further changes to the design will allow water on site to be reused and recycled and not discharged, as was originally proposed.
The building will also be constructed to allow energy to be recovered from both the hazardous and municipal incinerators, at a later date and subject to further planning permission.
Among other measures proposed are landscape enhancements with protection for views of a Martello tower, Cobh, Ringaskiddy and Spike Island.
In its application to An Bord Pleanála, Indaver also commented on the Government’s recently published draft statement on waste policy and implications for jobs in the pharmaceutical industry in Ringaskiddy.
According to Indaver managing director John Ahern, it has become “increasingly apparent” that the proposed Bottlehill regional landfill planned for Cork city and county is “unworkable in its current form”.
Mr Ahern said the landfill tax and costs associated with regulatory requirements had undermined the case for Bottlehill.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label ringaskiddy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ringaskiddy. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Friday, 22 January 2010
Incinerator decision welcomed
Opponents of a proposed €150 million twin incinerator development for Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour have welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanála following an oral hearing to refuse planning permission for part of the project dealing with municipal waste.
Indaver Ireland said that it remained confident of progressing the project after Bord Pleanála indicated that it was considering granting permission for both a hazardous waste incinerator and a transfer station if certain concerns were addressed.
Bord Pleanála said that Indaver should make amendments to its Environmental Impact Statement to address concerns over flooding, coastal erosion and revised emissions if it wished to obtain planning for the hazardous waste incinerator and transfer station.
Indaver Ireland had applied under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 for a 100,000 tonne hazardous industrial waste incinerator, a 140,000 tonne municipal waste incinerator and a transfer station at the 12 hectare Ringaskiddy site.
Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment chairwoman Mary O'Leary welcomed the news and paid tribute to Cork County Council for opposing such a facility.
"It's good news for the commmunity and huge credit is due to Cork County Council for defending their waste management plans so thoroughly," said Ms O'Leary.
However, she called on Bord Pleanála to clarify its position on the proposed hazardous waste plant.
"The Bord states that the EIS is 'deficient' in regard to flooding of the public road, coastal erosion and their impacts, and therefore we are adamant that this should have been turned down outright, rather than giving developers a second bite of the cherry."
Ms O'Leary pointed out that recent flood management guidelines issued by Department of the Environment recommend that developments on sites subject to flooding should be avoided rather than engineered around and An Bord Pleanála should respect this.
A spokesman for Indaver Ireland said that the company had been informed by Bord Pleanála that it is considering granting planning for both the transfer station and the hazardous waste incinerator subject to receipt of additional information within three months.
"We will now proceed to meet this request .... Indaver is pleased to have progressed our application to this point. We are approaching completion of two aspects of our proposal and are confident that the specifics requested by the Bord can be satisfied," he said.
Regarding the municipal waste incinerator, An Bord Pleanála had ruled that planning was not appropriate "at this time, having regard to both layout and lmiited size of the site and current strategy of the Cork local authorities in respect of waste management,"he said.
Asked about the financial viability of the hazardous waste incinerator without a municipal waste incinerator, the Indaver spokesman said the preference remained to build both units but that the company was pleased with the progress it had made to date.
Green Party Senator Dan Boyle said the decision to refuse permission for the municipal waste incinerator undermined the economic viability of the hazardous waste incinerator and he called for a further public inquiry to address the question of flooding risk at the site.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Indaver Ireland said that it remained confident of progressing the project after Bord Pleanála indicated that it was considering granting permission for both a hazardous waste incinerator and a transfer station if certain concerns were addressed.
Bord Pleanála said that Indaver should make amendments to its Environmental Impact Statement to address concerns over flooding, coastal erosion and revised emissions if it wished to obtain planning for the hazardous waste incinerator and transfer station.
Indaver Ireland had applied under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 for a 100,000 tonne hazardous industrial waste incinerator, a 140,000 tonne municipal waste incinerator and a transfer station at the 12 hectare Ringaskiddy site.
Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment chairwoman Mary O'Leary welcomed the news and paid tribute to Cork County Council for opposing such a facility.
"It's good news for the commmunity and huge credit is due to Cork County Council for defending their waste management plans so thoroughly," said Ms O'Leary.
However, she called on Bord Pleanála to clarify its position on the proposed hazardous waste plant.
"The Bord states that the EIS is 'deficient' in regard to flooding of the public road, coastal erosion and their impacts, and therefore we are adamant that this should have been turned down outright, rather than giving developers a second bite of the cherry."
Ms O'Leary pointed out that recent flood management guidelines issued by Department of the Environment recommend that developments on sites subject to flooding should be avoided rather than engineered around and An Bord Pleanála should respect this.
A spokesman for Indaver Ireland said that the company had been informed by Bord Pleanála that it is considering granting planning for both the transfer station and the hazardous waste incinerator subject to receipt of additional information within three months.
"We will now proceed to meet this request .... Indaver is pleased to have progressed our application to this point. We are approaching completion of two aspects of our proposal and are confident that the specifics requested by the Bord can be satisfied," he said.
Regarding the municipal waste incinerator, An Bord Pleanála had ruled that planning was not appropriate "at this time, having regard to both layout and lmiited size of the site and current strategy of the Cork local authorities in respect of waste management,"he said.
Asked about the financial viability of the hazardous waste incinerator without a municipal waste incinerator, the Indaver spokesman said the preference remained to build both units but that the company was pleased with the progress it had made to date.
Green Party Senator Dan Boyle said the decision to refuse permission for the municipal waste incinerator undermined the economic viability of the hazardous waste incinerator and he called for a further public inquiry to address the question of flooding risk at the site.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Fire at Ringaskiddy facility
Firefighters tonight spent over an hour battling a blaze at a scrap yard in Ringaskiddy in Co Cork before bringing the blaze under control.
The fire broke out at the Hammond Lane scrap metal yard in Ringaskiddy near the entrance to Haulbowline Island at around 5pm.
Local residents reported hearing an explosion and a large plume of smoke was visible from the scrap yard which is near the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy.
Units of the Cork County Fire Service from Carrigaline and Crosshaven responded to the fire and spent around an hour bringing the blaze under control.
It’s not believed anyone was injured in the blaze and while it was unclear what had caused the fire, a full investigation is expected to start tomorrow into how the blaze started.
Tonight, the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment pointed out the scrap yard is surrounded the site of a planned hazardous waste incinerator proposed by Indaver Ireland.
CHASE Chairperson Mary O’Leary said that concerned residents in Cobh and Ringaskiddy had been unable to find out from any official source what was burning in the fire.
“There is no environmental service available. Phones have rung out in the EPA and Cork County Council, as big black palls of smoke still pour across Cork Harbour towards Cobh.”
Ms O’Leary said that the fire highlighted the need for proper planning in relation to the proposed incinerator which is currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanala.
“More than ever this highlights the need for planning sanity — this is an explosion right in the middle of a would-be incinerator site, where highly flammable hazardous wastes are to be stored, and which is already classified as a high risk Serveso.
“The hazard posed is unacceptable to people living and working in Cork Harbour. That hazard has been brought to life this afternoon, and we need An Bord Pleanala need to recognise this.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The fire broke out at the Hammond Lane scrap metal yard in Ringaskiddy near the entrance to Haulbowline Island at around 5pm.
Local residents reported hearing an explosion and a large plume of smoke was visible from the scrap yard which is near the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy.
Units of the Cork County Fire Service from Carrigaline and Crosshaven responded to the fire and spent around an hour bringing the blaze under control.
It’s not believed anyone was injured in the blaze and while it was unclear what had caused the fire, a full investigation is expected to start tomorrow into how the blaze started.
Tonight, the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment pointed out the scrap yard is surrounded the site of a planned hazardous waste incinerator proposed by Indaver Ireland.
CHASE Chairperson Mary O’Leary said that concerned residents in Cobh and Ringaskiddy had been unable to find out from any official source what was burning in the fire.
“There is no environmental service available. Phones have rung out in the EPA and Cork County Council, as big black palls of smoke still pour across Cork Harbour towards Cobh.”
Ms O’Leary said that the fire highlighted the need for proper planning in relation to the proposed incinerator which is currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanala.
“More than ever this highlights the need for planning sanity — this is an explosion right in the middle of a would-be incinerator site, where highly flammable hazardous wastes are to be stored, and which is already classified as a high risk Serveso.
“The hazard posed is unacceptable to people living and working in Cork Harbour. That hazard has been brought to life this afternoon, and we need An Bord Pleanala need to recognise this.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Hearing highlights success of Cork recycling
THE SUCCESS of Cork City Council’s recycling programme was highlighted yesterday at an oral hearing on a proposed incinerator to be located at Ringaskiddy in Cork.
Levels of waste generated in the region have risen by just 1 per cent in the past six years, up from 115,000 tonnes since 2003, the hearing was told.
Entering its third week, the An Bord Pleanála hearing heard that the focus for waste-management in the Cork region – which takes in Cork city and county – was primarily waste-reduction methods such as recycling and composting.
At present 417,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste are produced in the Cork region every year, approximately half of which is recycled.
While Cork city and county councils collect 30 per cent of this waste, the bulk of the remainder is dealt with by private contractors, who could opt to utilise the services of the proposed incinerator.
In response to questioning, Cork City Council senior engineer Michael O’Brien said: “We can’t control what a private operator does.”
The hearing was told yesterday that once the city’s largest dump, the Kinsale Road landfill, closes this summer, the Cork region will be reliant on landfill sites in Cork county, primarily a landfill site located in Youghal, to deal with its landfill waste.
The council will begin disposing of waste at a new landfill facility at Bottlehill, 13 miles north of Cork city, when that facility opens in January 2010. This landfill will only accept pre-treated and baled waste, though no baling facility exists at present.
Mr O’Brien conceded that no site had been agreed for a baling facility, but council sources indicated that such a facility could be put in place in just 14 weeks.
Private operators deal with 52 per cent of domestic waste generated by the Cork region, and Cork City Council has advertised seeking private operators to deal with that waste during the latter part of 2009 and into the future, according to Mr O’Brien.
Cork city and county council’s long-term plan for waste management was focused on education, recycling and waste reduction at source, Mr O’Brien said.
“We must concentrate on the reduction of waste at source.”
The managing director of Indaver for the UK and Ireland, John Ahern, said Cork City Council would need to reach a recycling rate of 70 per cent in order to deal with its waste-management responsibilities into the future, where current recycling rates stand at 50 per cent.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Levels of waste generated in the region have risen by just 1 per cent in the past six years, up from 115,000 tonnes since 2003, the hearing was told.
Entering its third week, the An Bord Pleanála hearing heard that the focus for waste-management in the Cork region – which takes in Cork city and county – was primarily waste-reduction methods such as recycling and composting.
At present 417,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste are produced in the Cork region every year, approximately half of which is recycled.
While Cork city and county councils collect 30 per cent of this waste, the bulk of the remainder is dealt with by private contractors, who could opt to utilise the services of the proposed incinerator.
In response to questioning, Cork City Council senior engineer Michael O’Brien said: “We can’t control what a private operator does.”
The hearing was told yesterday that once the city’s largest dump, the Kinsale Road landfill, closes this summer, the Cork region will be reliant on landfill sites in Cork county, primarily a landfill site located in Youghal, to deal with its landfill waste.
The council will begin disposing of waste at a new landfill facility at Bottlehill, 13 miles north of Cork city, when that facility opens in January 2010. This landfill will only accept pre-treated and baled waste, though no baling facility exists at present.
Mr O’Brien conceded that no site had been agreed for a baling facility, but council sources indicated that such a facility could be put in place in just 14 weeks.
Private operators deal with 52 per cent of domestic waste generated by the Cork region, and Cork City Council has advertised seeking private operators to deal with that waste during the latter part of 2009 and into the future, according to Mr O’Brien.
Cork city and county council’s long-term plan for waste management was focused on education, recycling and waste reduction at source, Mr O’Brien said.
“We must concentrate on the reduction of waste at source.”
The managing director of Indaver for the UK and Ireland, John Ahern, said Cork City Council would need to reach a recycling rate of 70 per cent in order to deal with its waste-management responsibilities into the future, where current recycling rates stand at 50 per cent.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 8 May 2009
Warning on effects of Cork waste plan
A HAZARDOUS waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour could worsen traffic delays on an already congested route, according to the National Roads Authority (NRA).
In a submission to An Bord Pleanála, the NRA outlined its position on the effect the proposed incinerator might have on the surrounding road network.
NRA regional manager Paul Moran told a hearing on the proposed waste facility that while the authority was not opposed to the project in principle, it could have an adverse effect on traffic.
“The proposal would have the potential to adversely contribute to existing unsatisfactory capacity issues on the N28 and the national road infrastructure within its catchment,” Mr Moran said.
The N28 is a national primary road that links Cork city to Ringaskiddy, where a number of major industries are located, including a deep-water port for Cork, roll-on, roll-off ferry terminal and the headquarters for the Irish Naval Service.
He said lands required for the proposed upgraded N28, which would facilitate the development of the incinerator, were located inside the development lands, raising concerns about the time frame and expense of the project.
“The authority notes with concern that these lands are designated for stockpiling material and also as the construction site for the transfer station facility.
“This raised concerns regarding planning, compensation, timing issues and reclamation requirements which could arise in the context of the authority’s advancement of the proposed N28 road scheme,” Mr Moran said.
The NRA asked that no work as part of the incinerator development take place on such lands without its consent.
The authority also asked that no funds from the exchequer be used to cater for specific works intended to serve the proposed development, such as access to the incinerator site.
NRA senior policy adviser in planning, Tara Spain, said the authority had a clearly defined programme of work up until the end of 2010, but no precise guarantees could be given to any other projects in terms of timeframe, because of uncertain funding for future NRA projects.
However, planning and design of the proposed N28 had been “substantially completed”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In a submission to An Bord Pleanála, the NRA outlined its position on the effect the proposed incinerator might have on the surrounding road network.
NRA regional manager Paul Moran told a hearing on the proposed waste facility that while the authority was not opposed to the project in principle, it could have an adverse effect on traffic.
“The proposal would have the potential to adversely contribute to existing unsatisfactory capacity issues on the N28 and the national road infrastructure within its catchment,” Mr Moran said.
The N28 is a national primary road that links Cork city to Ringaskiddy, where a number of major industries are located, including a deep-water port for Cork, roll-on, roll-off ferry terminal and the headquarters for the Irish Naval Service.
He said lands required for the proposed upgraded N28, which would facilitate the development of the incinerator, were located inside the development lands, raising concerns about the time frame and expense of the project.
“The authority notes with concern that these lands are designated for stockpiling material and also as the construction site for the transfer station facility.
“This raised concerns regarding planning, compensation, timing issues and reclamation requirements which could arise in the context of the authority’s advancement of the proposed N28 road scheme,” Mr Moran said.
The NRA asked that no work as part of the incinerator development take place on such lands without its consent.
The authority also asked that no funds from the exchequer be used to cater for specific works intended to serve the proposed development, such as access to the incinerator site.
NRA senior policy adviser in planning, Tara Spain, said the authority had a clearly defined programme of work up until the end of 2010, but no precise guarantees could be given to any other projects in terms of timeframe, because of uncertain funding for future NRA projects.
However, planning and design of the proposed N28 had been “substantially completed”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Cork incinerator would contravene county plan
THE PROPOSAL by Indaver Ireland to build a €150 million incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour would require a material contravention of the Cork County Development Plan, the oral hearing into the proposed facility was told yesterday.
Cork County Council senior planner Paul Murphy told the sixth day of An Bord Pleanála’s hearing that the proposal materially contravenes specific zoning objectives of both the 2003 and 2009 development plans.
Mr Murphy said that the county council had previously refused planning permission for an earlier proposal by Indaver in 2003 but that it was granted permission by the planning board following a lengthy oral hearing.
The board’s inspector at that hearing recommended against granting planning on 14 grounds, but An Bord Pleanála’s board disagreed and granted planning, citing as its primary reason that the incinerator constituted “a necessary national public utility”.
Mr Murphy said the county council questioned the need for the facility, in particular a municipal waste incinerator element, as the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 does not include incineration as an option for dealing with waste.
“The initial targets outlined in the landfill directive for 2010 and 2013 can be met without incineration. The development of such a facility could divert waste away from prevention, material recovery/reuse and recycling,” Mr Murphy said.
The county council was also concerned that the proposed building, with a maximum height of 48.27 metres and stack with a maximum height of 90.77 metres on such a prominent position on Ringaskiddy peninsula, could have a significant visual impact on the harbour area.
“It will impact not only upon the established areas around Ringaskiddy but also upon those areas regularly frequented by the public, especially for walking, such as Monkstown, Currabinny and Camden and areas of relatively high population such as Cobh,” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork County Council senior planner Paul Murphy told the sixth day of An Bord Pleanála’s hearing that the proposal materially contravenes specific zoning objectives of both the 2003 and 2009 development plans.
Mr Murphy said that the county council had previously refused planning permission for an earlier proposal by Indaver in 2003 but that it was granted permission by the planning board following a lengthy oral hearing.
The board’s inspector at that hearing recommended against granting planning on 14 grounds, but An Bord Pleanála’s board disagreed and granted planning, citing as its primary reason that the incinerator constituted “a necessary national public utility”.
Mr Murphy said the county council questioned the need for the facility, in particular a municipal waste incinerator element, as the Waste Management Plan for Cork County 2004 does not include incineration as an option for dealing with waste.
“The initial targets outlined in the landfill directive for 2010 and 2013 can be met without incineration. The development of such a facility could divert waste away from prevention, material recovery/reuse and recycling,” Mr Murphy said.
The county council was also concerned that the proposed building, with a maximum height of 48.27 metres and stack with a maximum height of 90.77 metres on such a prominent position on Ringaskiddy peninsula, could have a significant visual impact on the harbour area.
“It will impact not only upon the established areas around Ringaskiddy but also upon those areas regularly frequented by the public, especially for walking, such as Monkstown, Currabinny and Camden and areas of relatively high population such as Cobh,” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Findings say incinerator would pass air guides
EMISSIONS FROM a hazardous waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour will be in compliance with the ambient air quality standards set down in law, an expert witness on behalf of the developers of the incinerator has told the public hearing.
Air quality consultant Dr Edward Porter told the hearing he had used two models to examine the quality of air emissions from the proposed incinerator. Both confirmed that emissions would be within existing ambient air quality standards.
Making a submission on behalf of Indaver Ireland, Dr Porter said he had obtained meteorological data from Cork airport from 2003- 2007 to feed into his two models.
He said the Ringaskiddy facility would have two main emission points or flues within the one 85 metre stack, with one flue taking emissions from the grate incinerator, the other taking emissions from a post-combustion chamber.
“The results show that the combination of stringent emission limits laid down in the waste incineration directive and the selected stack height are appropriate in ensuring that the ambient air quality standards are not exceeded.”
In a detailed submission, Dr Porter said the results showed that sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and total dust emissions under maximum conditions ranged from 10 per cent to 33 per cent of the ambient air quality standards at the nearest test receptor point.
Dr Porter added that the proposed facility would not have any impact on climate change, in line with incinerators generally.
Safety expert Thomas Cleary, for Indaver, said Ringaskiddy was classified as a Seveso site – which covers a European directive on control of major accidents involving dangerous substances – because of the various wastes likely to be handled there, including aqueous wastes, waste solvents, flammable materials and harmful solid wastes.
He said the waste tanks would be relatively small with the largest being just 400 cubic metres. The main solvent tanks would be at the southern side of the site and shielded from the Ringaskiddy Road by the incinerator plant itself.
Mr Cleary acknowledged there had been explosions and fires at incinerators which resulted in fatalities, but such fatalities had been confined to those on the site.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Air quality consultant Dr Edward Porter told the hearing he had used two models to examine the quality of air emissions from the proposed incinerator. Both confirmed that emissions would be within existing ambient air quality standards.
Making a submission on behalf of Indaver Ireland, Dr Porter said he had obtained meteorological data from Cork airport from 2003- 2007 to feed into his two models.
He said the Ringaskiddy facility would have two main emission points or flues within the one 85 metre stack, with one flue taking emissions from the grate incinerator, the other taking emissions from a post-combustion chamber.
“The results show that the combination of stringent emission limits laid down in the waste incineration directive and the selected stack height are appropriate in ensuring that the ambient air quality standards are not exceeded.”
In a detailed submission, Dr Porter said the results showed that sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and total dust emissions under maximum conditions ranged from 10 per cent to 33 per cent of the ambient air quality standards at the nearest test receptor point.
Dr Porter added that the proposed facility would not have any impact on climate change, in line with incinerators generally.
Safety expert Thomas Cleary, for Indaver, said Ringaskiddy was classified as a Seveso site – which covers a European directive on control of major accidents involving dangerous substances – because of the various wastes likely to be handled there, including aqueous wastes, waste solvents, flammable materials and harmful solid wastes.
He said the waste tanks would be relatively small with the largest being just 400 cubic metres. The main solvent tanks would be at the southern side of the site and shielded from the Ringaskiddy Road by the incinerator plant itself.
Mr Cleary acknowledged there had been explosions and fires at incinerators which resulted in fatalities, but such fatalities had been confined to those on the site.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Incinerator 'solution' to pollution at Cork site
A HAZARDOUS waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour could help clean up the waste legacy of contaminated materials left at the former Irish Steel plant on nearby Haulbowline Island, it was claimed yesterday.
Indaver Ireland managing director John Ahern told the second day of the Bord Pleanála hearing into the proposed incinerator that the facility offered not just the opportunity to deal with the region’s growing municipal and industrial waste but also contaminated material from Haulbowline.
“Haulbowline Island has contaminated soils and sludges . . . our facility offers a solution. With Indaver up and running in the area, this problem can be resolved – safely, efficiently and at an affordable cost thus ending what has been a prolonged hangover for the locality,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that as Ireland’s waste mountain continued to grow, the disposal options for treating this waste were narrowing and Cork, like every region in Europe, must reduce its dependence on landfill or face millions of euro in punitive fines.
Cork and Ireland need security of energy supplies and while many options are available, the most obvious is waste-to-energy which is far more beneficial economically than either burying waste in landfill or exporting it for treatment, he said.
“For example, hazardous waste from the Cork region supplies the base load energy source for Hamburg’s extensive district heating system. This effectively subsidises hot water and heating for the residents and industries of Hamburg,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that Indaver had over 20 years’ experience operating waste-to-energy facilities in Flanders where it was founded by the Flemish government in partnership with local industry. The company plans to replicate a similar approach to waste management here, Mr Ahern added.
Indaver’s project and commercial director, Jackie Keaney, said the Ringaskiddy project was in line with both EU and Irish objectives to maximise the recovery of energy from residual waste and generating renewable energy from biomass in the waste.
Installing a combined heat and power plant would contribute to Ireland meeting renewable heating targets and it would also contribute to security of energy supply goals by generating from a local resource that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.
“The Ringaskiddy facility can accept a range of biodegradable wastes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, These include for example, treated residues and refuse derived fuel from mechanical biological treatment, sludges and organic wastes from industry,” she said.
Ms Keaney said the proposed incinerator was in line with the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 which recommends a move towards self sufficiency. “At present, the Ringaskiddy facility is the only waste-to-energy facility in the planning process that can accept the 50,000 tonnes per annum identified by the EPA as requiring thermal treatment in Ireland,” she said. The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Indaver Ireland managing director John Ahern told the second day of the Bord Pleanála hearing into the proposed incinerator that the facility offered not just the opportunity to deal with the region’s growing municipal and industrial waste but also contaminated material from Haulbowline.
“Haulbowline Island has contaminated soils and sludges . . . our facility offers a solution. With Indaver up and running in the area, this problem can be resolved – safely, efficiently and at an affordable cost thus ending what has been a prolonged hangover for the locality,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that as Ireland’s waste mountain continued to grow, the disposal options for treating this waste were narrowing and Cork, like every region in Europe, must reduce its dependence on landfill or face millions of euro in punitive fines.
Cork and Ireland need security of energy supplies and while many options are available, the most obvious is waste-to-energy which is far more beneficial economically than either burying waste in landfill or exporting it for treatment, he said.
“For example, hazardous waste from the Cork region supplies the base load energy source for Hamburg’s extensive district heating system. This effectively subsidises hot water and heating for the residents and industries of Hamburg,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that Indaver had over 20 years’ experience operating waste-to-energy facilities in Flanders where it was founded by the Flemish government in partnership with local industry. The company plans to replicate a similar approach to waste management here, Mr Ahern added.
Indaver’s project and commercial director, Jackie Keaney, said the Ringaskiddy project was in line with both EU and Irish objectives to maximise the recovery of energy from residual waste and generating renewable energy from biomass in the waste.
Installing a combined heat and power plant would contribute to Ireland meeting renewable heating targets and it would also contribute to security of energy supply goals by generating from a local resource that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.
“The Ringaskiddy facility can accept a range of biodegradable wastes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, These include for example, treated residues and refuse derived fuel from mechanical biological treatment, sludges and organic wastes from industry,” she said.
Ms Keaney said the proposed incinerator was in line with the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 which recommends a move towards self sufficiency. “At present, the Ringaskiddy facility is the only waste-to-energy facility in the planning process that can accept the 50,000 tonnes per annum identified by the EPA as requiring thermal treatment in Ireland,” she said. The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Incinerator 'solution' to pollution at Cork site
A HAZARDOUS waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour could help clean up the waste legacy of contaminated materials left at the former Irish Steel plant on nearby Haulbowline Island, it was claimed yesterday.
Indaver Ireland managing director John Ahern told the second day of the Bord Pleanála hearing into the proposed incinerator that the facility offered not just the opportunity to deal with the region’s growing municipal and industrial waste but also contaminated material from Haulbowline.
“Haulbowline Island has contaminated soils and sludges . . . our facility offers a solution. With Indaver up and running in the area, this problem can be resolved – safely, efficiently and at an affordable cost thus ending what has been a prolonged hangover for the locality,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that as Ireland’s waste mountain continued to grow, the disposal options for treating this waste were narrowing and Cork, like every region in Europe, must reduce its dependence on landfill or face millions of euro in punitive fines.
Cork and Ireland need security of energy supplies and while many options are available, the most obvious is waste-to-energy which is far more beneficial economically than either burying waste in landfill or exporting it for treatment, he said.
“For example, hazardous waste from the Cork region supplies the base load energy source for Hamburg’s extensive district heating system. This effectively subsidises hot water and heating for the residents and industries of Hamburg,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that Indaver had over 20 years’ experience operating waste-to-energy facilities in Flanders where it was founded by the Flemish government in partnership with local industry. The company plans to replicate a similar approach to waste management here, Mr Ahern added.
Indaver’s project and commercial director, Jackie Keaney, said the Ringaskiddy project was in line with both EU and Irish objectives to maximise the recovery of energy from residual waste and generating renewable energy from biomass in the waste.
Installing a combined heat and power plant would contribute to Ireland meeting renewable heating targets and it would also contribute to security of energy supply goals by generating from a local resource that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.
“The Ringaskiddy facility can accept a range of biodegradable wastes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, These include for example, treated residues and refuse derived fuel from mechanical biological treatment, sludges and organic wastes from industry,” she said.
Ms Keaney said the proposed incinerator was in line with the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 which recommends a move towards self sufficiency. “At present, the Ringaskiddy facility is the only waste-to-energy facility in the planning process that can accept the 50,000 tonnes per annum identified by the EPA as requiring thermal treatment in Ireland,” she said. The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Indaver Ireland managing director John Ahern told the second day of the Bord Pleanála hearing into the proposed incinerator that the facility offered not just the opportunity to deal with the region’s growing municipal and industrial waste but also contaminated material from Haulbowline.
“Haulbowline Island has contaminated soils and sludges . . . our facility offers a solution. With Indaver up and running in the area, this problem can be resolved – safely, efficiently and at an affordable cost thus ending what has been a prolonged hangover for the locality,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that as Ireland’s waste mountain continued to grow, the disposal options for treating this waste were narrowing and Cork, like every region in Europe, must reduce its dependence on landfill or face millions of euro in punitive fines.
Cork and Ireland need security of energy supplies and while many options are available, the most obvious is waste-to-energy which is far more beneficial economically than either burying waste in landfill or exporting it for treatment, he said.
“For example, hazardous waste from the Cork region supplies the base load energy source for Hamburg’s extensive district heating system. This effectively subsidises hot water and heating for the residents and industries of Hamburg,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that Indaver had over 20 years’ experience operating waste-to-energy facilities in Flanders where it was founded by the Flemish government in partnership with local industry. The company plans to replicate a similar approach to waste management here, Mr Ahern added.
Indaver’s project and commercial director, Jackie Keaney, said the Ringaskiddy project was in line with both EU and Irish objectives to maximise the recovery of energy from residual waste and generating renewable energy from biomass in the waste.
Installing a combined heat and power plant would contribute to Ireland meeting renewable heating targets and it would also contribute to security of energy supply goals by generating from a local resource that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.
“The Ringaskiddy facility can accept a range of biodegradable wastes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, These include for example, treated residues and refuse derived fuel from mechanical biological treatment, sludges and organic wastes from industry,” she said.
Ms Keaney said the proposed incinerator was in line with the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 which recommends a move towards self sufficiency. “At present, the Ringaskiddy facility is the only waste-to-energy facility in the planning process that can accept the 50,000 tonnes per annum identified by the EPA as requiring thermal treatment in Ireland,” she said. The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 27 April 2009
An Bord Pleanála hearing into Cork incinerators opens today
AN ORAL hearing by An Bord Pleanála into an application by Indaver Ireland to build a €150 million twin incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour is due to open in Cork today.
The hearing is expected to run for a number of weeks.
The application for both a hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a municipal waste incinerator, each capable of taking 100,000 tonnes per annum, at the Ringaskiddy site was made by Indaver under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
The Indaver proposal, first mooted eight years ago, has generated much controversy in the Cork harbour area, and a number of groups have come together under the banner of Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment to oppose the plan.
Indaver Ireland had already applied in November 2001 to Cork County Council for planning permission for a 100,000 tonnes hazardous industrial waste incinerator for the Ringaskiddy site only for the council to refuse planning permission in May 2003.
Indaver Ireland appealed the council’s refusal to An Bord Pleanála and following an oral hearing in October 2003, the planning body went against the recommendation of its inspector and granted planning permission for the facility in January 2004.
Meanwhile, Indaver Ireland applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for licences for both a 100,000 tonnes hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a 100,000 tonnes municipal waste incinerator at the 12-hectare Ringaskiddy site.
Following an oral hearing in February 2005, the EPA decided in November 2005 to grant licences to Indaver Ireland for both incinerators even though Indaver had only at that stage applied for and obtained planning permission for the hazardous industrial waste incinerator.
However, that original five-year permission expired last January, and Indaver Ireland was obliged to resubmit for planning permission. This time the company availed of the strategic infrastructure legislation to make its application.
An Bord Pleanála has received 284 submissions on the Indaver proposal. These include submissions from the Department of the Environment, Cork Cork County Council and Cork City Council as well as from the surrounding communities.
The hearing is being held at Cork International Airport Hotel.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The hearing is expected to run for a number of weeks.
The application for both a hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a municipal waste incinerator, each capable of taking 100,000 tonnes per annum, at the Ringaskiddy site was made by Indaver under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
The Indaver proposal, first mooted eight years ago, has generated much controversy in the Cork harbour area, and a number of groups have come together under the banner of Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment to oppose the plan.
Indaver Ireland had already applied in November 2001 to Cork County Council for planning permission for a 100,000 tonnes hazardous industrial waste incinerator for the Ringaskiddy site only for the council to refuse planning permission in May 2003.
Indaver Ireland appealed the council’s refusal to An Bord Pleanála and following an oral hearing in October 2003, the planning body went against the recommendation of its inspector and granted planning permission for the facility in January 2004.
Meanwhile, Indaver Ireland applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for licences for both a 100,000 tonnes hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a 100,000 tonnes municipal waste incinerator at the 12-hectare Ringaskiddy site.
Following an oral hearing in February 2005, the EPA decided in November 2005 to grant licences to Indaver Ireland for both incinerators even though Indaver had only at that stage applied for and obtained planning permission for the hazardous industrial waste incinerator.
However, that original five-year permission expired last January, and Indaver Ireland was obliged to resubmit for planning permission. This time the company availed of the strategic infrastructure legislation to make its application.
An Bord Pleanála has received 284 submissions on the Indaver proposal. These include submissions from the Department of the Environment, Cork Cork County Council and Cork City Council as well as from the surrounding communities.
The hearing is being held at Cork International Airport Hotel.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Council will urge board to block incinerator
CORK County Council is to urge An Bord Pleanála to reject Indaver’s plans to build incinerators in Ringaskiddy capable of burning 300,000 tonnes per annum of municipal and hazardous waste.
Council officials have drafted a negative report on Indaver’s proposals, which will be given to the board on February 16.
County manager Martin Riordan said there were three main reasons why his officials thought the proposals inappropriate.
Mr Riordan said the location did not fit in with the County Development Plan. He also said incineration was not compatible with the council’s waste management strategy and the 300ft high chimney stacks would have a detrimental visual impact on the lower harbour.
As Cork Harbour For A Safe Environment (CHASE) campaigners sat quietly in the council chamber yesterday, they must have been pleased with the overwhelming support they got from the 40-plus councillors present. Only one, Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe (FF), openly supported incineration.
"The waste management strategy in this county is based on reduce, reuse and recycle principles. The 300ft high stack will spoil the view and we should reject it," Cllr John A Collins (FG) said.
Cllr John Mulvihill (Lab) said the overwhelming majority of people living in the lower harbour area were totally opposed the project. "I’d appeal to Minister John Gormley to stop this ridiculous carry-on. If it goes ahead we’ll be bringing in waste from all over the world."
Cllr Seamus McGrath (FF) also felt that if Indaver got permission the company would import waste from outside the country. "It would be catastrophic if it went ahead," he said.
Councillors decided that the minutes of the meeting would also be sent to An Bord Pleanála to show how strongly they were opposed to the project.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Council officials have drafted a negative report on Indaver’s proposals, which will be given to the board on February 16.
County manager Martin Riordan said there were three main reasons why his officials thought the proposals inappropriate.
Mr Riordan said the location did not fit in with the County Development Plan. He also said incineration was not compatible with the council’s waste management strategy and the 300ft high chimney stacks would have a detrimental visual impact on the lower harbour.
As Cork Harbour For A Safe Environment (CHASE) campaigners sat quietly in the council chamber yesterday, they must have been pleased with the overwhelming support they got from the 40-plus councillors present. Only one, Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe (FF), openly supported incineration.
"The waste management strategy in this county is based on reduce, reuse and recycle principles. The 300ft high stack will spoil the view and we should reject it," Cllr John A Collins (FG) said.
Cllr John Mulvihill (Lab) said the overwhelming majority of people living in the lower harbour area were totally opposed the project. "I’d appeal to Minister John Gormley to stop this ridiculous carry-on. If it goes ahead we’ll be bringing in waste from all over the world."
Cllr Seamus McGrath (FF) also felt that if Indaver got permission the company would import waste from outside the country. "It would be catastrophic if it went ahead," he said.
Councillors decided that the minutes of the meeting would also be sent to An Bord Pleanála to show how strongly they were opposed to the project.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Ringaskiddy waste incinerator objectors face paying legal costs
THE SUPREME Court has ordered the Ringaskiddy and District Residents' Association and a number of individuals to pay the legal costs of their unsuccessful attempts to further adjourn two legal challenges to the proposed €75 million development of the State's first hazardous waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
The local groups expressed dismay at the ruling last night. The EPA and An Bord Pleanála have indicated they will not pursue the costs. Residents and local representatives are now appealing to Indaver and the State to do likewise.
The residents had sought the adjournments pending the outcome of a legal action against Ireland in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by the European Commission. The action is based on the commission's formal view that Ireland failed to properly transpose into Irish law an EC directive relating to the environmental impact assessment of public and private projects, including incinerators.
The two cases concerning the incinerator were initiated in 2005 and will be mentioned in the High Court next week with a view to getting full hearing dates.
Among the grounds on which the residents challenge the proposed incinerator is that the same directive was not properly transposed into Irish law. The Supreme Court had in another case ruled the directive was properly transposed.
The High Court last May refused to adjourn the two cases, and the five-judge Supreme Court last July dismissed the residents' appeal against that refusal.
Chief Justice Mr Justice John Murray said the residents, within the terms they had argued, had failed to establish a substantial risk of conflict between decisions of the Irish courts and the ECJ if the cases went ahead before the ECJ hearing.
The European Commission had announced in October 2007 it was bringing its case against Ireland but no proceedings had yet begun, he noted.
The proceedings came back before the Supreme Court yesterday to deal with the issue of costs of the applications to adjourn. The court ruled that costs must "follow the event", meaning the winning sides get their costs. The decision means the residents' association and all but three of a group of local residents who took separate proceedings must pay the costs of An Bord Pleanála, the EPA, the State and Indaver in relation to the motions to defer.
Cork Labour TD Ciarán Lynch has called on Minister for the Environment John Gormley and on Indaver to make similar indications of intention, that they would not be pursuing costs, as have the EPA and An Bord Pleanála.
He said yesterday's court decision would send out a shockwave to local groups throughout the country as to the financial implications of sticking up for their own areas and communities.
"This decision will undermine the concept and the principle of the participation by community groups in public debate and public campaigns and, as a result, the planning process is in danger of becoming a charter for the rich and powerful," said Mr Lynch.
A spokeswoman for Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment said the decision was devastating, but it remained within the power of the State and Indaver not to pursue the costs if they so chose. "Pursuing costs exposes Indaver's claims to be a good neighbour as complete farce, but we expected better from the State," she said.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The local groups expressed dismay at the ruling last night. The EPA and An Bord Pleanála have indicated they will not pursue the costs. Residents and local representatives are now appealing to Indaver and the State to do likewise.
The residents had sought the adjournments pending the outcome of a legal action against Ireland in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by the European Commission. The action is based on the commission's formal view that Ireland failed to properly transpose into Irish law an EC directive relating to the environmental impact assessment of public and private projects, including incinerators.
The two cases concerning the incinerator were initiated in 2005 and will be mentioned in the High Court next week with a view to getting full hearing dates.
Among the grounds on which the residents challenge the proposed incinerator is that the same directive was not properly transposed into Irish law. The Supreme Court had in another case ruled the directive was properly transposed.
The High Court last May refused to adjourn the two cases, and the five-judge Supreme Court last July dismissed the residents' appeal against that refusal.
Chief Justice Mr Justice John Murray said the residents, within the terms they had argued, had failed to establish a substantial risk of conflict between decisions of the Irish courts and the ECJ if the cases went ahead before the ECJ hearing.
The European Commission had announced in October 2007 it was bringing its case against Ireland but no proceedings had yet begun, he noted.
The proceedings came back before the Supreme Court yesterday to deal with the issue of costs of the applications to adjourn. The court ruled that costs must "follow the event", meaning the winning sides get their costs. The decision means the residents' association and all but three of a group of local residents who took separate proceedings must pay the costs of An Bord Pleanála, the EPA, the State and Indaver in relation to the motions to defer.
Cork Labour TD Ciarán Lynch has called on Minister for the Environment John Gormley and on Indaver to make similar indications of intention, that they would not be pursuing costs, as have the EPA and An Bord Pleanála.
He said yesterday's court decision would send out a shockwave to local groups throughout the country as to the financial implications of sticking up for their own areas and communities.
"This decision will undermine the concept and the principle of the participation by community groups in public debate and public campaigns and, as a result, the planning process is in danger of becoming a charter for the rich and powerful," said Mr Lynch.
A spokeswoman for Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment said the decision was devastating, but it remained within the power of the State and Indaver not to pursue the costs if they so chose. "Pursuing costs exposes Indaver's claims to be a good neighbour as complete farce, but we expected better from the State," she said.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 1 August 2008
Cases against incinerator ordered to proceed
THE SUPREME Court has rejected a bid by local residents to further adjourn their two legal challenges to the proposed hazardous waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
The residents wanted the adjournments pending the outcome of a legal action against Ireland in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by the European Commission based on its view that Ireland failed to transpose properly into Irish law an EC directive relating to the environmental impact assessment of public and private projects, including incinerators.
Among the grounds on which the residents are challenging the proposed €75 million development is that the same EC directive was not properly transposed. The Supreme Court had in another case ruled the directive was properly transposed.
The High Court last May refused to adjourn the residents' cases. The five-judge Supreme Court yesterday dismissed their appeal against that refusal.
The Chief Justice, Mr Justice John Murray, said the residents had failed to establish a substantial risk of conflict between decisions of the Irish courts and the ECJ if the cases went ahead before the ECJ hearing.
The European Commission had announced in October 2007 it was bringing its case against Ireland but no proceedings had yet got under way, he noted.
While the commission appeared in its reasoned opinions to raise the same issues as the residents concerning non-transposition of the directive, the Supreme Court had not seen those opinions or the State's response and did not know the basis on which the ECJ proceedings would be brought, he said.
While the court accepted the commission would probably proceed with its case, it did not know when and there was also a possibility the case might not proceed, he added. It was "somewhat remarkable" the case had not started by now. As of now it was impossible for the Supreme Court to have a considered view about the issues relating to Irish law and the directive.
The Supreme Court also had to take into account that the residents' cases were initiated in 2005 and it was in the interests of the administration of justice, at national and community level, that they were heard and decided with reasonable expedition, he said.
The cases concerned the rights not just of the residents but also An Bord Pleanála, the State and Indaver Ireland.
Mr Justice Murray further noted the residents had raised other issues in their cases outside the directive and said their cases might be determined on those other issues. The residents' claim that they would be deprived of a remedy if their cases proceeded and the ECJ subsequently ruled against Ireland in the EC case, was "speculative". In all the circumstances, the court would not adjourn the cases, he said.
In refusing the adjournments in the High Court, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy accepted arguments by the State that the High Court was bound at this stage by a Supreme Court decision last year rejecting a challenge by Eric Martin to the development of an incinerator in Co Meath.
In the Martin case, the Supreme Court dismissed claims that the EIA directive was not properly transposed and also refused Mr Martin's request to refer to the ECJ the issue of whether the directive was properly transposed.
The adjournments were sought for a judicial review challenge by several local people to the incinerator development against An Bord Pleanála and the State following the board's decision in January 2004 granting permission to Indaver Ireland to construct the development.
In the second case, the Ringaskiddy and District Residents Association want leave from the court to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to grant a waste licence for the incinerator.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The residents wanted the adjournments pending the outcome of a legal action against Ireland in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by the European Commission based on its view that Ireland failed to transpose properly into Irish law an EC directive relating to the environmental impact assessment of public and private projects, including incinerators.
Among the grounds on which the residents are challenging the proposed €75 million development is that the same EC directive was not properly transposed. The Supreme Court had in another case ruled the directive was properly transposed.
The High Court last May refused to adjourn the residents' cases. The five-judge Supreme Court yesterday dismissed their appeal against that refusal.
The Chief Justice, Mr Justice John Murray, said the residents had failed to establish a substantial risk of conflict between decisions of the Irish courts and the ECJ if the cases went ahead before the ECJ hearing.
The European Commission had announced in October 2007 it was bringing its case against Ireland but no proceedings had yet got under way, he noted.
While the commission appeared in its reasoned opinions to raise the same issues as the residents concerning non-transposition of the directive, the Supreme Court had not seen those opinions or the State's response and did not know the basis on which the ECJ proceedings would be brought, he said.
While the court accepted the commission would probably proceed with its case, it did not know when and there was also a possibility the case might not proceed, he added. It was "somewhat remarkable" the case had not started by now. As of now it was impossible for the Supreme Court to have a considered view about the issues relating to Irish law and the directive.
The Supreme Court also had to take into account that the residents' cases were initiated in 2005 and it was in the interests of the administration of justice, at national and community level, that they were heard and decided with reasonable expedition, he said.
The cases concerned the rights not just of the residents but also An Bord Pleanála, the State and Indaver Ireland.
Mr Justice Murray further noted the residents had raised other issues in their cases outside the directive and said their cases might be determined on those other issues. The residents' claim that they would be deprived of a remedy if their cases proceeded and the ECJ subsequently ruled against Ireland in the EC case, was "speculative". In all the circumstances, the court would not adjourn the cases, he said.
In refusing the adjournments in the High Court, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy accepted arguments by the State that the High Court was bound at this stage by a Supreme Court decision last year rejecting a challenge by Eric Martin to the development of an incinerator in Co Meath.
In the Martin case, the Supreme Court dismissed claims that the EIA directive was not properly transposed and also refused Mr Martin's request to refer to the ECJ the issue of whether the directive was properly transposed.
The adjournments were sought for a judicial review challenge by several local people to the incinerator development against An Bord Pleanála and the State following the board's decision in January 2004 granting permission to Indaver Ireland to construct the development.
In the second case, the Ringaskiddy and District Residents Association want leave from the court to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to grant a waste licence for the incinerator.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Cork Port suffers setback to €226m Ringaskiddy plans
THE Port of Cork has suffered a setback to its plans to open a €226 million container terminal at Ringaskiddy in 2011.
The blow came when National Roads Authority officials told a Bord Pleanála hearing yesterday that at best it could start the vital upgrading of the Cork-Ringaskiddy road (N28) in 2011, and it would take a further two years to complete.
The Port of Cork management has previously stated it would not make the container terminal operation until the N28 was in place.
NRA officials warned the upgrading of the road would be competing against other projects for funding, not just in Cork but nationwide. They also pointed out they would prefer to undertake the work with just one project, rather than doing it piecemeal.
While the Government’s National Development Plan includes reference to upgrading the N28, any work will be dependent on Exchequer funding.
Paul Moran, NRA manager for regional schemes, said it was premature to speculate on a construction start-up date for the project. However, he said, realistically the project was unlikely to begin until at least the start of 2011, and construction could take about two years to complete.
It is envisaged the road will be a dual carriageway capable of handling 44,100 vehicles a day.
Compulsory Purchase Orders and Environmental Impact Statements are being worked on by the NRA and it was pointed out the cost of acquiring land would be substantial.
Mr Moran said if construction of the port went ahead before the road was upgraded, it would lead to extended rush-hour periods as traffic backed up.
He added that in this case it would be up to the Port of Cork to provide a plan to mitigate this disruption.
“It does appear the existing N28 is at overcapacity at peak periods, particularly at the Shannonpark and Shanbally roundabouts,” Mr Moran said.
He added that upgrading the N28 was primarily for the benefit of the Port of Cork generated traffic.
The NRA said port authorities should therefore be paying an appropriate contribution for the upgrade, so as to protect the taxpayer from the cost of inappropriate subsidisation of a private development.
“No plans are currently in hand to carry out any capital works to augment the Jack Lynch tunnel, to provide an additional River Lee crossing in the vicinity of the tunnel,” Mr Moran added.
He said the junction at Dunkettle caters for 103,000 vehicles a day, which may no longer be sustainable.
“From the NRA’s view, it’s an extremely important junction. We are looking at medium and long-term improvements there,” Mr Moran said.
However, he pointed out traffic jams at the junction should be eased when the Cork-Midleton railway line was opened and more commuters switched to the train.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The blow came when National Roads Authority officials told a Bord Pleanála hearing yesterday that at best it could start the vital upgrading of the Cork-Ringaskiddy road (N28) in 2011, and it would take a further two years to complete.
The Port of Cork management has previously stated it would not make the container terminal operation until the N28 was in place.
NRA officials warned the upgrading of the road would be competing against other projects for funding, not just in Cork but nationwide. They also pointed out they would prefer to undertake the work with just one project, rather than doing it piecemeal.
While the Government’s National Development Plan includes reference to upgrading the N28, any work will be dependent on Exchequer funding.
Paul Moran, NRA manager for regional schemes, said it was premature to speculate on a construction start-up date for the project. However, he said, realistically the project was unlikely to begin until at least the start of 2011, and construction could take about two years to complete.
It is envisaged the road will be a dual carriageway capable of handling 44,100 vehicles a day.
Compulsory Purchase Orders and Environmental Impact Statements are being worked on by the NRA and it was pointed out the cost of acquiring land would be substantial.
Mr Moran said if construction of the port went ahead before the road was upgraded, it would lead to extended rush-hour periods as traffic backed up.
He added that in this case it would be up to the Port of Cork to provide a plan to mitigate this disruption.
“It does appear the existing N28 is at overcapacity at peak periods, particularly at the Shannonpark and Shanbally roundabouts,” Mr Moran said.
He added that upgrading the N28 was primarily for the benefit of the Port of Cork generated traffic.
The NRA said port authorities should therefore be paying an appropriate contribution for the upgrade, so as to protect the taxpayer from the cost of inappropriate subsidisation of a private development.
“No plans are currently in hand to carry out any capital works to augment the Jack Lynch tunnel, to provide an additional River Lee crossing in the vicinity of the tunnel,” Mr Moran added.
He said the junction at Dunkettle caters for 103,000 vehicles a day, which may no longer be sustainable.
“From the NRA’s view, it’s an extremely important junction. We are looking at medium and long-term improvements there,” Mr Moran said.
However, he pointed out traffic jams at the junction should be eased when the Cork-Midleton railway line was opened and more commuters switched to the train.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
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