A U.S. Waste Incinerator Company, ENERGY ANSWERS has made a planning application to build a Waste Incinerator facility at a site known as Behan’s Quarry, 3 km south of Rathcoole on the N7. The application was made directly to An Bord Pleanala under The Strategic Infrastructure Development Plan (2006 Act). Strategic Infrastructure Development can generally be described as a development, which is of strategic, economic or social importance to the State or a region. Heretofore, such planning applications were made to the local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanala.
Because of the fact that there were so many objections (over 270) to the Waste Incinerator, An Bord Pleanala decided to hold a preliminary Oral Hearing here In the Green Isle Hotel to-day. It is expected that the first item which the objectors will raise is the matter of costs – legal, planning, surveys etc. Then the members of An Bord are expected to outline the format of the actual Oral Hearing which begins on Wednesday 12th November (also at the Green Isle Hotel) – who the objectors are and at what stage of the Hearing they will be requested to make their submissions. As this is the very first Preliminary Oral Hearing of its kind dealing with Waste Incinerators and under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, it promises to be a most interesting occasion.
ENERGY ANSWERS propose to incinerate 365,000 tons of rubbish a year. The plant would operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – noise and strong odours and HGV traffic would have a huge impact on the lives of people for miles around. Some people believe that waste Incineration creates a Magical Disappearance of Waste. In fact…nothing disappears. For every 3 tons of waste incinerated one ton of toxic ash is left behind and 2 tons are emitted into the atmosphere as Dioxins. Winds will blow these dioxins all over the neighbouring areas and when the rain falls, the Dioxins will fall as well.
What are Dioxins?
Dioxins is a generic term for a group of more than 200 individual chemical compounds. Each of these has a different degree of toxicity. They are the most toxic chemicals known to science.
Dioxins cause cancer, liver kidney and digestive tract damage,
Miscarriage and sterility, birth defects etc. The fall-out range of Dioxins has a radius of 35 miles (56 km.)
Dioxins are inhaled by humans and animals. Children inhale 25 times faster than adults and so are more at risk. Dioxins are bioaccumulative – that is they accumulate in the body and we cannot excrete them. When they emerge after a number of years the damage is done and the result may be fatal.
The Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (R.A.I.D.) committee is one of the main objectors to this Waste Incinerator. Why are they objecting ?
The greatest fear of a Waste Incinerator that the residents of Rathcoole /Saggart/ Newcastle/ Lucan/Kill/Clondalkin/Tallaght have is the emission of Dioxins. Also, the fear of extra traffic, strong odours and constant noise. They do not wish Rathcoole to be known as ‘The Incinerator Village’.
Poulaphouca Water Reservoir (6.5 miles or 10km from Rathcoole, as the crow flies) is one of the main water supplies for Dublin city and suburbs. This reservoir is well within the fall-out zone of Dioxins from a proposed Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole. That means that over 1 million Dublin people could be drinking Dioxin and mercury/lead contaminated water, if this incinerator goes ahead. Imagine a fire at the Incinerator plant? And fires have occurred in many waste incinerators throughout the world. The N7 motorway would possibly be closed down for at least 24 hours. Remember that the proposed site of the Waste Incinerator is only 200 metres from the N7!
So, the location of Rathcoole – on the edge of a 1.5 million population – and Rathcoole/ Saggart/Newcastle is one of the most attractive locations in Dublin to settle down and live. Crime rate is low. We have schools, churches, a bank and lots of shops. Beside us is the largest hotel in Ireland – Citywest Hotel with its two golf courses, Leisure centre, restaurants etc.
We are close to many attractive shopping centres - Citywest, Liffey Valley, The Square etc.
Just nearby is the N7 which brings you south to Cork, Kerry or Waterford. We are only 15 minutes drive to the road West and 15 minutes drive to the M50. We are 10 miles from Dublin’s O’Connell Street and yet when you get up in the morning and look out the bedroom window you can see the Dublin Mountains! And to think that ENERGY ANSWERS - a big multi million dollar waste incinerator company from the U.S. is planning to come and spoil it all! Are we gullible and stupid enough to allow this to happen? We must fight against this.
On the Co. Kildare border is the worst possible site for a Waste Incinerator.
An incinerator produces thousands of tons of ash every year and as it contains dioxins and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, it is extremely dangerous. There is no toxic ash landfill in Ireland nor do we wish to have one because ash landfills are a legacy of poison that must be monitored for eternity. The ash from an incinerator can never become non-toxic because most of the poisonous materials in them – the heavy metals – do not biodegrade, that is, they will never break down to simple, harmless products.
The planning application to An Bord Pleanala by Energy Answers consists of over 1000 pages – not once does it make reference to incinerator ash or how they could dispose of it.
REMINDER : PUBLIC MEETING IN RATHCOOLE COMMUNITY CENTRE THIS THURSDAY 30th OCTOBER AT 8.30 pm . YOUR SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE ATTEND AND SHOW THAT YOU CARE
Other objectors include;
The National Roads Authority, South Dublin Council and all its councilors, Ted Walsh, Goffs Bloodstock Agency, Punchestown and Naas Racecourses, Tallaght Residents’ Umbrella, Cavan Developments, Garyaron Homes Ltd. Maplewood Developments, Lamberton Developments, LM Developments, Mc Hale Plant Hire, Dublin Regional Authorities, The Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, An Taisce, Kildare C. Council Planning Authority, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, Ministerrof State, John Curran, Brian Hayes TD, Paul Gogarty TD, Rathcoole Heritage Society etc etc.
Liam Mc Dermott PRO for Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (RAID)
Phone: 087 6695390
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
PLAY YOUR PART IN PREVENTING INCINERATOR AT RATHCOOLE
Press Release
28 October 2008
Tom Dowling, Green Party Candidate for Lucan area in the local election, is seeking your support in opposing plans to build an incinerator at Behan’s Quarry off the N7 beyond Rathcoole Village (less than 12km from Lucan).
An Bord Pleanála will begin a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, 29 October at the Green Isle Hotel commencing at 10am. Please come along and show your support if you have the time.
This is the most detrimental proposal ever to hit West Dublin. Plans are to process 365,000 tonnes of waste a year, 7 days a week.
Producing a toxic by-product called “Fly Ash”; studies have consistently found this ash to contain heavy metals dioxins, acid gas constituents and other pollutants in excess of regulation standards.
This plant will have a serious effect on air quality, people’s health, and water drainage within a 40km radius.
The Green Party has always been and remains opposed to incineration. I was part of the Dublin Mid West Green working group that lodged a detailed and comprehensive submission seeking its rejection.
At present Poolbeg is the preferred site for a waste to energy plant which meets the needs of the four Dublin authorities. This proposal at Rathcoole is overcapacity for this region which will mean waste will have to be transported from other areas of the country and possibly abroad.
It should be noted that both the Management of South Dublin and the Councillors are at one in their opposition to this application.
Minister John Gormley is currently bringing forward a new greener government policy on waste management that would make incineration redundant.
Current recycling rates for six months in 2008 for South Dublin are just 23.18% while 79.16% of waste ended up in landfill. We can all play our part to increase the amount we recycle, reducing our need for both incineration and landfill.
On my website I have set up a click facility - this will probably be your final chance to register your objection to this proposed incinerator.
All messages generated on this site will be collated and delivered by me to the Inspector on the first full hearing date which takes place on Wednesday 12th of November 2008.
Register your objection now – visit www.tomdowling.ie.
28 October 2008
Tom Dowling, Green Party Candidate for Lucan area in the local election, is seeking your support in opposing plans to build an incinerator at Behan’s Quarry off the N7 beyond Rathcoole Village (less than 12km from Lucan).
An Bord Pleanála will begin a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, 29 October at the Green Isle Hotel commencing at 10am. Please come along and show your support if you have the time.
This is the most detrimental proposal ever to hit West Dublin. Plans are to process 365,000 tonnes of waste a year, 7 days a week.
Producing a toxic by-product called “Fly Ash”; studies have consistently found this ash to contain heavy metals dioxins, acid gas constituents and other pollutants in excess of regulation standards.
This plant will have a serious effect on air quality, people’s health, and water drainage within a 40km radius.
The Green Party has always been and remains opposed to incineration. I was part of the Dublin Mid West Green working group that lodged a detailed and comprehensive submission seeking its rejection.
At present Poolbeg is the preferred site for a waste to energy plant which meets the needs of the four Dublin authorities. This proposal at Rathcoole is overcapacity for this region which will mean waste will have to be transported from other areas of the country and possibly abroad.
It should be noted that both the Management of South Dublin and the Councillors are at one in their opposition to this application.
Minister John Gormley is currently bringing forward a new greener government policy on waste management that would make incineration redundant.
Current recycling rates for six months in 2008 for South Dublin are just 23.18% while 79.16% of waste ended up in landfill. We can all play our part to increase the amount we recycle, reducing our need for both incineration and landfill.
On my website I have set up a click facility - this will probably be your final chance to register your objection to this proposed incinerator.
All messages generated on this site will be collated and delivered by me to the Inspector on the first full hearing date which takes place on Wednesday 12th of November 2008.
Register your objection now – visit www.tomdowling.ie.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
RAID Golf Classic pictures
The fundraising committee from RAID held their Charity Golf Classic in Killeen Golf Club on Friday 17th October. The main organizer of the event was John Donoghue, ably assisted by his friend Chris Donoghue. Then the fund-raising sub-committee from Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins led by chairperson Neville Graver came on board and provided excellent assistance to the organizing team.
A marvellous day for golf, together with a course that was in magnificent shape ensured that all the teams taking part had a most enjoyable day. The Greenkeeper deserves great praise for all his hard work. Many thanks to the courteous and helpful staff of the Killeen Golf Club, not forgetting the chef and his catering staff who provided a beautiful meal for all participants.
The organizing committee is deeply indebted to everybody who purchased teams and tee boxes. We also thank those who provided prizes, especially our legal advisor, solicitor Dermot Flanagan. He supplied the mens’ 1st and 2nd team prizes. He also donated a putter to the winner of the longest drive and a driver to the winner of ‘nearest the pin’. Thanks Dermot. A word of gratitude to all the business people in the area who donated spot prizes. A special thanks goes to both Punchestown and Naas Racecourses who donated Annual Badges to our committee for the year 2009.We hope to raffle those at our Public Meeting in The Community Centre on Thursday 30th October at 8.30pm.
The ladies’ prize of the day was won by one of John Donohue’s teams, led by Rita Hayes. The mens’ 1st prize was won by Louis Fitzgerald’s team. 2nd prize went to the team entered by Ted Walsh. The 3rd prize was won by RDK construction and the 4th prize went to Con Mc Carthy’s team. ( Greenogue Industrial Estate.)Winner of the longest drive was Terry O’Mahony. The prize for the ball ‘nearest the pin’ on the par 3 was won by Wayne Mc Cabe. Presentation of prizes was made By Liam Mc Dermott, Christy Quinn and Neville Graver.
All monies raised will go towards our central funds set up to fight the Planning Application for a Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole. It is expected that a total profit of approx. €14,000 was made. We shall need €40,000 to €50,000 to pay the costs of Oral Hearing. Always support us.
PLEASE LOOK AT SOME PICTURES TAKEN IN KILLEEN GOLF CLUB.
Monday, October 20, 2008
RAID Public Meeting in Rathcoole
An Bord Pleanala has announced that the Oral Hearing objections to the proposed waste incinerator at Behan’s Quarry on the N7 will be heard in the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin.
The preliminary oral hearing will be held on Wednesday 29th October at 10.00am
The full hearing will begin on Wednesday 12th November – also at 10.00am.
The Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxin (RAID) committee is holding a Public Meeting in The Community Centre, Rathcoole on Thursday 30th October at 8.30 pm. This meeting is to inform the public of the latest developments in their fight against the construction of the waste incinerator in Rathcoole.
Your support and your attendance at this meeting is important. We are all aware of the serious health hazards caused by the emissions of dioxins from Waste Incinerators. Health experts throughout the world tell us that these dioxins are long-lived and eventually cause cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, birth defects, skin irritations etc.
Some waste incinerator operators would like us to believe that waste incineration ‘Creates a Magic Disappearance of Waste’. Far from it… The waste does not ‘disappear’. For every 3 tons of waste incinerated, one ton comes out as contaminated ash. The rest goes up in the air as poisonous exhaust gases (dioxins – the most toxic chemical known to science) and when the rain comes down, humans and animals inhale this poison. It also falls on the ground, contaminating our food and livestock.
To fight this monster of a planning proposal, your support and attendance at the Public Meeting is vital. It is important to note that the RAID committee has engaged a full team of experts to represent you at this hearing. To receive full information, please visit the website: http://rathcooleincinerator.org
Liam McDermott PRO for RAID
The preliminary oral hearing will be held on Wednesday 29th October at 10.00am
The full hearing will begin on Wednesday 12th November – also at 10.00am.
The Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxin (RAID) committee is holding a Public Meeting in The Community Centre, Rathcoole on Thursday 30th October at 8.30 pm. This meeting is to inform the public of the latest developments in their fight against the construction of the waste incinerator in Rathcoole.
Your support and your attendance at this meeting is important. We are all aware of the serious health hazards caused by the emissions of dioxins from Waste Incinerators. Health experts throughout the world tell us that these dioxins are long-lived and eventually cause cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, birth defects, skin irritations etc.
Some waste incinerator operators would like us to believe that waste incineration ‘Creates a Magic Disappearance of Waste’. Far from it… The waste does not ‘disappear’. For every 3 tons of waste incinerated, one ton comes out as contaminated ash. The rest goes up in the air as poisonous exhaust gases (dioxins – the most toxic chemical known to science) and when the rain comes down, humans and animals inhale this poison. It also falls on the ground, contaminating our food and livestock.
To fight this monster of a planning proposal, your support and attendance at the Public Meeting is vital. It is important to note that the RAID committee has engaged a full team of experts to represent you at this hearing. To receive full information, please visit the website: http://rathcooleincinerator.org
Liam McDermott PRO for RAID
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
PRESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2008
Tuesday 25th November is the date that An Bord Pleanala is expected to announce its decision on the proposed Waste Incinerator at Behan’s Quarry on the N7, near Rathcoole Co. Dublin.
It is envisaged that the oral hearings will take place in October /November
Over 290 objections to this project were received by An Bord Pleanala - from local residents, South Dublin County Council, local planning authority, local representatives, business and corporate interests , the horse racing industry, farmers, local developers, National Roads Authority and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.
The objection from the NRA (National Roads Authority) is a most powerful and interesting submission.
“On reading this objection alone, I cannot possibly perceive how An Bord Pleanala could grant planning permission for this Waste Incinerator on the N7”, states Liam Mc Dermott, PRO for R.A.I.D. (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins).
Traffic surveys undertaken by the NRA indicate that HGV’s account for 16.4% of all present traffic on the N7 and as this figure is above the accepted level for motorways of this nature throughout the world, any further increase could cause serious bottlenecks and severe traffic disruption.
The NRA goes on to state that this development proposal should be refused permission as it fails to adequately demonstrate how the resulting traffic will be accommodated by the road network. The developers, Energy Answers, have made no allowance within their traffic analysis or modelling for the high percentage of HGV traffic currently utilizing the N7. The NRA note that the assessment by Energy Answers shows anticipated road capacity to be significantly over- estimated and their development proposals therefore create a real risk of congestion on the N7.
The NRA also state that the development proposal should be refused on two further grounds – (a) Insufficient detail has been presented to demonstrate that the road safety issues raised in The Road Safety audit have been addressed. Furthermore, the NRA is of the view that other safety issues are in evidence at this location and have not been addressed e.g.
The gradient of the access and exit roads.
High risk of serious accidents on the N7.
Inadequate drainage provision.
Excessive dust/debris being carried onto the N7 from the quarry site.
No advanced warning signs. (b) The development access may be premature pending the determination of road upgrade proposals for this section of the N7. Interestingly, this is also a concern of the chief planning officer for South Dublin Council who has also submitted a detailed objection to this development.
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board has also lodged a very serious objection to a Waste Incinerator at Behan’s Quarry. Their objection points to the fact that the proposed development is located within the catchment area of the river Griffeen. The Griffeen river is exceptional among most urban river systems in the area . It supports migratory sea trout in the lower stretches of the river while it also supports resident brown trout throughout. Salmonoid water constraints apply to any development site and drain to the river network. Only clean, uncontaminated water should leave the development site and drain to the river network.
The planning application for this development does not deal adequately with the monitoring of waste water.
In their submission, The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board ask : How will waste water from the Truck/Vehicle wash area be disposed of , particularly as it will contain detergent and other chemicals ?
How will waste water from the hardstanding area used for the drying and curing of the concrete blocks be disposed of?
Has there been any assessment made of the impact of all wastewaters that will flow into the Griffeen water system?
They further state that the Foul Water treatment system proposed is a pumped water system. There are no precautions put in place in the planning application to deal with such problems as pump failure.
The location and availability of suitable landfills for the disposal of boiler aggregate and Fly Ash (highly toxic and does not biodegrade – that means it does not break down into a simple, harmless product) is not addressed in the planning application for this development.
The R.A.I.D. (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins) Committee has also submitted a very detailed objection to a Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole and it has engaged a formidable team of legal, planning and scientific experts to represent them at the forthcoming Oral Hearing. To pay for costs that will be incurred, they have organized some fund-raising activities, including a Golf Classic in Killeen Golf Club (in Co. Kildare but close to Rathcoole) on Friday 17th October next. Any member of the public who wishes to provide some sponsorship for this event may contact any committee member in Rathcoole, including the PRO, Liam Mc Dermott.
The fall-out from any Waste Incinerator affects a 30- 35 mile radius and it is therefore important to realise that a Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole – on the edge of Dublin city and close to counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow - will affect all human, animal and wild life in those areas.
Liam Mc Dermott PRO for RAID
It is envisaged that the oral hearings will take place in October /November
Over 290 objections to this project were received by An Bord Pleanala - from local residents, South Dublin County Council, local planning authority, local representatives, business and corporate interests , the horse racing industry, farmers, local developers, National Roads Authority and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.
The objection from the NRA (National Roads Authority) is a most powerful and interesting submission.
“On reading this objection alone, I cannot possibly perceive how An Bord Pleanala could grant planning permission for this Waste Incinerator on the N7”, states Liam Mc Dermott, PRO for R.A.I.D. (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins).
Traffic surveys undertaken by the NRA indicate that HGV’s account for 16.4% of all present traffic on the N7 and as this figure is above the accepted level for motorways of this nature throughout the world, any further increase could cause serious bottlenecks and severe traffic disruption.
The NRA goes on to state that this development proposal should be refused permission as it fails to adequately demonstrate how the resulting traffic will be accommodated by the road network. The developers, Energy Answers, have made no allowance within their traffic analysis or modelling for the high percentage of HGV traffic currently utilizing the N7. The NRA note that the assessment by Energy Answers shows anticipated road capacity to be significantly over- estimated and their development proposals therefore create a real risk of congestion on the N7.
The NRA also state that the development proposal should be refused on two further grounds – (a) Insufficient detail has been presented to demonstrate that the road safety issues raised in The Road Safety audit have been addressed. Furthermore, the NRA is of the view that other safety issues are in evidence at this location and have not been addressed e.g.
The gradient of the access and exit roads.
High risk of serious accidents on the N7.
Inadequate drainage provision.
Excessive dust/debris being carried onto the N7 from the quarry site.
No advanced warning signs. (b) The development access may be premature pending the determination of road upgrade proposals for this section of the N7. Interestingly, this is also a concern of the chief planning officer for South Dublin Council who has also submitted a detailed objection to this development.
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board has also lodged a very serious objection to a Waste Incinerator at Behan’s Quarry. Their objection points to the fact that the proposed development is located within the catchment area of the river Griffeen. The Griffeen river is exceptional among most urban river systems in the area . It supports migratory sea trout in the lower stretches of the river while it also supports resident brown trout throughout. Salmonoid water constraints apply to any development site and drain to the river network. Only clean, uncontaminated water should leave the development site and drain to the river network.
The planning application for this development does not deal adequately with the monitoring of waste water.
In their submission, The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board ask : How will waste water from the Truck/Vehicle wash area be disposed of , particularly as it will contain detergent and other chemicals ?
How will waste water from the hardstanding area used for the drying and curing of the concrete blocks be disposed of?
Has there been any assessment made of the impact of all wastewaters that will flow into the Griffeen water system?
They further state that the Foul Water treatment system proposed is a pumped water system. There are no precautions put in place in the planning application to deal with such problems as pump failure.
The location and availability of suitable landfills for the disposal of boiler aggregate and Fly Ash (highly toxic and does not biodegrade – that means it does not break down into a simple, harmless product) is not addressed in the planning application for this development.
The R.A.I.D. (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins) Committee has also submitted a very detailed objection to a Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole and it has engaged a formidable team of legal, planning and scientific experts to represent them at the forthcoming Oral Hearing. To pay for costs that will be incurred, they have organized some fund-raising activities, including a Golf Classic in Killeen Golf Club (in Co. Kildare but close to Rathcoole) on Friday 17th October next. Any member of the public who wishes to provide some sponsorship for this event may contact any committee member in Rathcoole, including the PRO, Liam Mc Dermott.
The fall-out from any Waste Incinerator affects a 30- 35 mile radius and it is therefore important to realise that a Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole – on the edge of Dublin city and close to counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow - will affect all human, animal and wild life in those areas.
Liam Mc Dermott PRO for RAID
LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS? - LOCK UP YOUR WINDOWS!
Henry Fielding’s hit musical, “Lock Up Your Daughters” comes to mind when one is made aware of the proposed plans for a Waste Incinerator at Behan’s Quarry, 3 km south of Rathcoole on the N7. The planning application was made by US company Energy Answers. Oral hearings for this planning application will take place in The Green Isle Hotel on Wednesday 12th November and with 280 objections, it is expected that they will last for several weeks.
In a detailed 32 page submission by the Dublin Regional Authority, they point out that the escape of strong odours from the proposed facility will impinge greatly on the residents of the local area. The Authority’s very well researched statement points out that SEMASS, the company who will operate the plant, ‘has experienced persistent complaints regarding odours from another facility that they operate in the USA – these odours are believed to be associated with the shredding operation’. Although the use of odour suppression to alleviate these smells have been used, more permanent technologies may be required to guarantee cleaner air in the vicinity of a waste incinerator site. These technologies will incur significant additional expenditure and there is no evidence that this technology is yet available or invented.
So, if An Bord Pleanala grants Energy Answers planning permission to build a waste incinerator in Behan’s Quarry , on the edge of Dublin city on the N7, the thousands of motorists who use this roadway will not be requested to lock up their daughters, but instead, Lock Up Your Windows . The odours will be unbearable. And what about local residents ? They will have to lock up all their windows – in homes and in their vehicles. Considering that the Kill Landfill site is 8 km from Rathcoole, odours from this facility reach the village of Rathcoole on a regular basis. This very serious point will be debated by many of the objectors at the hearing.
Noise levels and visual impact from the proposed site will degrade the social fabric of communities for miles around. The Dublin Regional Authority further add in their report that Energy Answers propose to incinerate 1000 tons of waste per day, which they assume will result that the facility will be in operation 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year. For thousands of households that, of course will mean, lock up your windows 365 days a year !
Planning approval has already been granted to Dublin City Council, on behalf of all four authorities, (The Dublin Regional Authority) for the construction of the Waste Incinerator facility in Minister Gormley’s own constituency on the Poolbeg Peninsula. The Dublin Regional Authority remind us that this approval was sought on the basis that the four authorities had agreed that this development would be the Region’s sole Waste Incinerator facility. The construction of another waste incinerator at a location identified as unsuitable by all four authorities is clearly contrary to this policy objective.
It must be noted that personnel from The Dublin Regional Authority have visited some of Semass plants in the US and they have noted concern in their submission that frequent fires and explosions have occurred in the waste processing areas. Imagine a fire adjacent to the N7? And the Dioxin emissions? Most likely the N7 would be closed down for at least 24 hours. “On this basis alone, it is difficult to imagine An Bord Pleanala granting planning permission for a Waste Incinerator facility to be built at Behan’s Quarry on the N7”, cites Liam Mc Dermott, PRO for Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (R.A.I.D.)
We are aware that Energy answers sold its waste incinerator assets last year to a company called Covanta . And now The Dublin Regional Authority engineers are concerned that Energy Answers is a shell organization with limited planning, technical, operational and commercial expertise or experience.
The Dublin Regional Authority also mention other concerns such as the air quality and the disposal of the thousands of tons of toxic ash that such a facility would create every year.
Both the National Roads Authority (NRA) the Dublin Regional Authority have grave concerns about the extra traffic that such a large Waste Incinerator plant as this would cause. The NRA say in their submission that such extra traffic would result in traffic congestion and major accidents could occur at the entrance/exit to Behan’s Quarry site on the N7.
In a submission by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, they point out that the proposed development is in the catchment area of the nearby Griffeen river. This river supports migratory sea trout in its lower stretches and resident brown trout throughout. Contaminated water from a Waste Incinerator would cause great damage to the continued life of these fish.
Other strong objections were received by An Bord Pleanala from many Residents and Residents’ Associations in the surrounding areas.
Objections were also received from The Irish Aviation Authority, An Taisce, The Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Rathcoole Heritage Society, Cavan Developments Bloodstock, Goffs Bloodstock Agency, Horse trainer Ted Walsh, Punchestown and Naas Racecourses, Kill International Equestrian Centre, Kill, Irish Thoroughbreed Association, Lamberton Properties, Mc Hale Hire, Kildare County Council Planning Section, Dublin City Council Waste Service Division, The Native Woodland Trust , elected members of Dail Eireann and many local county councilors.
In the eyes of many professionals it is very difficult to comprehend planning approval for this project getting the go ahead. If planning is given it will be a matter of Locking Up Your Windows permanently.
Liam Mc Dermott PRO for RAID (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins)
In a detailed 32 page submission by the Dublin Regional Authority, they point out that the escape of strong odours from the proposed facility will impinge greatly on the residents of the local area. The Authority’s very well researched statement points out that SEMASS, the company who will operate the plant, ‘has experienced persistent complaints regarding odours from another facility that they operate in the USA – these odours are believed to be associated with the shredding operation’. Although the use of odour suppression to alleviate these smells have been used, more permanent technologies may be required to guarantee cleaner air in the vicinity of a waste incinerator site. These technologies will incur significant additional expenditure and there is no evidence that this technology is yet available or invented.
So, if An Bord Pleanala grants Energy Answers planning permission to build a waste incinerator in Behan’s Quarry , on the edge of Dublin city on the N7, the thousands of motorists who use this roadway will not be requested to lock up their daughters, but instead, Lock Up Your Windows . The odours will be unbearable. And what about local residents ? They will have to lock up all their windows – in homes and in their vehicles. Considering that the Kill Landfill site is 8 km from Rathcoole, odours from this facility reach the village of Rathcoole on a regular basis. This very serious point will be debated by many of the objectors at the hearing.
Noise levels and visual impact from the proposed site will degrade the social fabric of communities for miles around. The Dublin Regional Authority further add in their report that Energy Answers propose to incinerate 1000 tons of waste per day, which they assume will result that the facility will be in operation 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year. For thousands of households that, of course will mean, lock up your windows 365 days a year !
Planning approval has already been granted to Dublin City Council, on behalf of all four authorities, (The Dublin Regional Authority) for the construction of the Waste Incinerator facility in Minister Gormley’s own constituency on the Poolbeg Peninsula. The Dublin Regional Authority remind us that this approval was sought on the basis that the four authorities had agreed that this development would be the Region’s sole Waste Incinerator facility. The construction of another waste incinerator at a location identified as unsuitable by all four authorities is clearly contrary to this policy objective.
It must be noted that personnel from The Dublin Regional Authority have visited some of Semass plants in the US and they have noted concern in their submission that frequent fires and explosions have occurred in the waste processing areas. Imagine a fire adjacent to the N7? And the Dioxin emissions? Most likely the N7 would be closed down for at least 24 hours. “On this basis alone, it is difficult to imagine An Bord Pleanala granting planning permission for a Waste Incinerator facility to be built at Behan’s Quarry on the N7”, cites Liam Mc Dermott, PRO for Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (R.A.I.D.)
We are aware that Energy answers sold its waste incinerator assets last year to a company called Covanta . And now The Dublin Regional Authority engineers are concerned that Energy Answers is a shell organization with limited planning, technical, operational and commercial expertise or experience.
The Dublin Regional Authority also mention other concerns such as the air quality and the disposal of the thousands of tons of toxic ash that such a facility would create every year.
Both the National Roads Authority (NRA) the Dublin Regional Authority have grave concerns about the extra traffic that such a large Waste Incinerator plant as this would cause. The NRA say in their submission that such extra traffic would result in traffic congestion and major accidents could occur at the entrance/exit to Behan’s Quarry site on the N7.
In a submission by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, they point out that the proposed development is in the catchment area of the nearby Griffeen river. This river supports migratory sea trout in its lower stretches and resident brown trout throughout. Contaminated water from a Waste Incinerator would cause great damage to the continued life of these fish.
Other strong objections were received by An Bord Pleanala from many Residents and Residents’ Associations in the surrounding areas.
Objections were also received from The Irish Aviation Authority, An Taisce, The Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Rathcoole Heritage Society, Cavan Developments Bloodstock, Goffs Bloodstock Agency, Horse trainer Ted Walsh, Punchestown and Naas Racecourses, Kill International Equestrian Centre, Kill, Irish Thoroughbreed Association, Lamberton Properties, Mc Hale Hire, Kildare County Council Planning Section, Dublin City Council Waste Service Division, The Native Woodland Trust , elected members of Dail Eireann and many local county councilors.
In the eyes of many professionals it is very difficult to comprehend planning approval for this project getting the go ahead. If planning is given it will be a matter of Locking Up Your Windows permanently.
Liam Mc Dermott PRO for RAID (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Bord Pleanála Submissions show Massive Opposition to Incinerator
The huge numbers of observations made by interested parties to the 'fast-track' application for the Incincerator at Rathcoole in South-West Dublin and on the Kildare Border are proof of the overwhelming opposition to this proposed development. Over 260 observations were lodged with An Bord Pleanála before the deadline of the 24th July. These came from a wide range of sources - individuals, public representatives, community groups, residents's associations, businesses of all types - manufacturing, equestrain, services etc.
Here are just a few of those who took the time and trouble to submit an observation:
Rathcoole Active Age Retirement Association
Tallaght Residents and Community Umbrella
Rathcoole Community Youth Services
Lower Crumlin Residents' Association
Bawnogue Youth Community Association
South Dublin Conservation Society
The Native Woodland Trust
Cavan People Against Incinceration
Kildare International Equestrian Centre
The full list can be downloaded here as a PDF from the Bord Pleanála website and, as you will see, our public representatives certainly responded to the overwhelming local demand for representation on this issue. Sincere thanks to all who sent in observations. It really is good to know that so many people both in our own area and further afield feel strongly about the incineration issue.
The Price of 'Free' Speech
It is also worth noting that the 260 (plus) observations, costing €50 each, have netted An Bord Pleanála a windfall of €13,000.
With this level of commitment to opposing the incinerator, we have every right to expect an oral hearing on the matter.
Here are just a few of those who took the time and trouble to submit an observation:
Rathcoole Active Age Retirement Association
Tallaght Residents and Community Umbrella
Rathcoole Community Youth Services
Lower Crumlin Residents' Association
Bawnogue Youth Community Association
South Dublin Conservation Society
The Native Woodland Trust
Cavan People Against Incinceration
Kildare International Equestrian Centre
The full list can be downloaded here as a PDF from the Bord Pleanála website and, as you will see, our public representatives certainly responded to the overwhelming local demand for representation on this issue. Sincere thanks to all who sent in observations. It really is good to know that so many people both in our own area and further afield feel strongly about the incineration issue.
The Price of 'Free' Speech
It is also worth noting that the 260 (plus) observations, costing €50 each, have netted An Bord Pleanála a windfall of €13,000.
With this level of commitment to opposing the incinerator, we have every right to expect an oral hearing on the matter.
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