Waste facility to create 50 jobs

A KEY €15 million expansion plan at a waste treatment plant in Limerick will create 50 jobs.

The Re3 Group said yesterday the proposed state-of-the-art facility at Galvone industrial estate will provide “a revolutionary and sustainable” approach to the treatment of domestic and commercial waste.

It is planned to site the plant at a waste facility run by Greyhound Recycling.

Residents recently picketed the site after foul smells were emitted.

Re3 said at the time, that one-off systems trials were carried out, but the odour control system was not in place.

The proposed expansion will offer a sustainable alternative for treating waste by utilising steam technology.

Re3 chief executive, Professor Debbie Boyd said: “The facility at the Galvone will be a showcase for this innovative new technology and there are already plans to develop it at other sites across Ireland and worldwide.

“This world-first technology is the next generation in recycling and recovery.

“The process converts waste into an eco-fuel that is a real green-energy alternative to fossil fuels. It will, therefore, help avoid environmentally damaging emissions and support Ireland in meeting its international climate change obligations.”

Prof Boyd said Ireland’s household waste to landfill increased by 15% in 2006.

She said the facility in Galvone was in the final stages of commissioning and would be operational later this year.