Superdump could have ‘significant’ impact

IT may be 10 years before Limerick has its own waste incinerator, a Bord Pleanála hearing into a proposed 98-acre super dump was told yesterday.

Limerick County Council wants to extend its 25-acre landfill at Gortadroma in west Limerick by developing an additional 45 acres of landfill and a buffer zone of 53 acres.

Local residents, along with the Gortadroma Action Group, Kilcoleman National School and the White River Anglers Association have lodged objections to the proposed extension.

The hearing, which continues today in Limerick, has been told that landfill space in the current Gortadroma site will run out next year.

The life span of the landfill could be extended by up to 20 years if the plan is given approval, the hearing has been told.

Local objectors are due to begin their evidence to Bord Pleanála inspector Danny O’Connor today.

Laurence O’Toole, an engineer with the private company in charge of remediation and development work at Gortadroma, told the hearing yesterday there will be a significant short- to medium-term need for landfill, as it may be 10 years before Limerick has its own waste incinerator.

Another county council witness, Patricia Calleary, a civil engineer and planner, said the proposed landfill extension would have a “moderate to significant” impact on those living within 1,000 metres of the site. It was stated there are about 50 homes within that radius.

She also said it could affect housing development.

Ms Calleary said: “Potential residents may consider new settlement or the purchase of existing houses within 1,000 metres of the proposed landfill undesirable, due to a perceived degradation of the environment. These potential adverse impacts of the landfill extension site on the community relate to traffic, potential water contamination, emission of odours, litter and environmental nuisance such as birds, flies and rodents. The occupants of nearby residences are particularly sensitive to these nuisances.”

She said there was convincing evidence to indicate that the proposed extension would pose no significant adverse impact to the neighbouring community, in terms of social, recreation and community facilities.

Limerick County Council environmental engineer Tom Tarpey outlined steps taken to minimise environmental nuisances and emissions at Gortadroma.

“The council employs a specialist bird control contractor to prevent scavenging by flocks of rooks and gulls, the principal nuisance species recorded at landfills in Ireland,” he said.

He said one such method used is the deployment of falcons near the landfill.

They have discontinued laying poisoned baits after a landowner found dead and dying birds in his fields.

Mr Tarpey also outlined controls for dealing with rodents, flies, litter and dust.