County favours incineration in waste crisis

Neans McSweeney, South East Correspondent

And 60% of those who responded say they would support incineration in the county, the interim results of a survey by Fine Gael TD John Deasy has revealed.

Already 1,900 households countywide have responded to Mr Deasy's waste management survey, which he felt was an indication of just how important the issue is in the area.

Waste charges across Waterford are set to double in the coming years as the county tries to meet the 10 million cost of capping its two landfills and transporting waste out of the county from next year.

"The sample is huge so far. We're looking at a figure of 11%12% returning the survey. That's about three times the average. It just shows how important this issue has become to people," Mr Deasy said.

"The big surprise in the findings so far is the enormous level of support for incineration. Over 67% of respondents would support incineration and 60% would support an incinerator being located in Waterford.

"This level of support for incineration is mirrored by the observations of people in the comment box provided," Mr Deasy said.

"Respondents have identified the rising cost of waste management as their main concern. They have made it clear they are not prepared to absorb further significant price hikes for bin tags," he said.

Other issues emerging from the survey include a strong desire for better incentives to recycle; additional recycling depots to be made available around the county, and a growing intolerance for illegal dumping which appears from the survey's findings to be widespread.

"Some very positive things have emerged from the survey, including the fact that 97% of people have indicated they are now recycling. That shows the county council has been successful in changing people's attitude wholesale when it comes to the management of waste.

"The problem for the council is most respondents are unwilling to consider any further substantial increases, particularly as it pertains to recyclables," Mr Deasy said.

The anti-incineration group Save our Urban and Rural Environment (SURE) on the edge of Waterford city said the results of the survey are still not final, adding that the pressure is being put on households to accept incineration.

"Recycling in this country is a joke and it is being treated as a joke by our political leadership because they want incineration and so will not encourage proper recycling. They only antagonise householders into incineration," the spokesperson added.