Air Corps flags concerns over Indaver incinerator site in Cork

The proposed incinerator in Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour could present a risk of fatal injury to helicopter crews, and an incident at the plant could effectively cut off the Haulbowline Naval Base, according to the Department of Defence.

Comdt Dave Brown of the Baldonnel base told a hearing into the facility that, were the incinerator to go ahead, the Air Corps would need to impose a no-fly zone around it, with other restrictions also likely, including no possible operations at the Haulbowline Naval Base in southerly wind conditions.

“The proximity of the stack of the waste-to-energy facility to the approach paths of Haulbowline Naval Base and Spike Island is a matter of concern,” Comdt Brown said. “This is due to the fact that this stack will be emitting significant amounts of exhaust gases and is seen as a potential hazard as it may render approaches by Air Corps helicopters into Haulbowline and Spike Island as unsafe.”