Bord Pleanála approves Ringaskiddy incinerator project

An Bord Pleanála has cleared the way for the construction of a controversial toxic waste incinerator near Cork Harbour.

The planning appeals body today overturned the local council’s decision to refuse permission for the construction of the facility in Ringaskiddy.

The Indaver Ireland incinerator will process up to 100,000 tonnes of hazardous commercial waste every year.

More than 20 local groups had opposed the €70m project because the Ringaskiddy area is densely-populated and already has a high concentration of chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Cork County Council had rejected Indaver Ireland’s original planning application, but the company appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála last September.

Indaver has welcomed today’s ruling and said it would study the 27 conditions attacked to the planning permission by An Bord Pleanála.

However, local residents have vowed to continue their fight against the facility.

Linda Fitzpatrick, a spokesperson for the Cork Harbour for a Safe Environment organisation, said she was disappointed and angered by today’s ruling.

“The case we put to Bord Pleanala was very, very strong,” she said.

“It showed the proposals to be in serious breach of current EU laws and various plans that form the basis for planning policy in Cork.”

Ms Fitzpatrick said her group was seeking legal advice with a view to bringing a judicial review against the ruling.

Other local residents have also vowed to undertake a campaign of civil disobedience against the incinerator if it is built.