Dump site to open despite local concerns

A CONTROVERSIAL super dump project is to go ahead in Waterford despite local objections.

The landfill in west Waterford was given the go-ahead following a High Court decision to refuse a judicial review sought by an objector to the project.

The site at Garrynagree, Co Waterford, just outside Dungarvan, was selected over two years ago by Waterford County Council for what they describe as a “modern landfill facility”.

Pressure on the local authority to open the new site is mounting as other landfills in the area near capacity. But a local environmental group is examining the judgment and the possible environmental impacts of the development.

Waterford County Council says the county and city’s landfills in Dungarvan, Tramore and Kilbarry have only a very limited life-span with the Dungarvan facility to close at the end of next month.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Garrynagree was presented more than two years ago to Waterford County Council and Waterford City Council.

But that development was put on hold after an objection by local woman Ann Hogan. The High Court has ruled in favour of the council, saying the project can proceed.

Waterford county manager Donal Connolly has welcomed the decision of Mr Justice Daniel Herbert in the High Court.

“The county and city’s existing landfills in Dungarvan, Tramore and Kilbarry have only a very limited life span left with the Dungarvan facility to close on June 30.

“In these circumstances, Waterford County Council is anxious to proceed with a resolution of the county’s waste problem at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

A local environmental group was yesterday examining the lengthy court judgment, with a view to an appeal.

The local concern group says it is not satisfied the environmental concerns were raised in reports. They believe the judgment was based more on the landfill situation, rather than environmental concerns raised in a series of reports.

The River Lickey, which flows near the site, has been designated a special area of conservation. They hope the county council recognises that such a facility can not be developed, so close to a protected river.