Appeal lodged over Ringaskiddy incinerator

Environment agency An Taisce today lodged an appeal over plans to build a toxic waste burner in Cork harbour.

The group raised health and safety concerns over the controversial Ringaskiddy incinerator, fears about emergency evacuation plans and pollution risks.

An Taisce also said objections were submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency over a second licence for a waste burner in the Boyne Valley, Co Meath.

The EPA cleared the way for the south-east plant and a facility near Duleek last month after planning permission was secured.

Ian Lumley, An Taisce spokesman, claimed the EPA had failed to obey a series of rules imposed by planners.

“We have very serious concerns about the operations of the EPA and we believe prejudicial statements have been made by EPA directors on incineration,” Mr Lumley said.

“And we are seriously concerned that there is no independent review procedure on EPA decisions.”

He added the authorities had yet to address 14 issues raised by planning inspectors.

Both projects have met with significant opposition from politicians and residents’ groups who mounted major protest campaigns against the plans on health and environmental grounds.

Locals are also up in arms over the threat a major flood could pose to the incinerator. The proposed site was swamped by several feet of water after storms battered the south coast in late October.

An Taisce said they would raise this matter and waterlogging at the site with the EPA.

The agency were also angered after the EPA proposed a municipal and hazardous waste burner when planners only ruled on a hazardous waste facility.

Activists are also worried about the impact an incinerator would have on one of the country’s most prestigious archaeological sites.

Mr Lumley said they were concerned over an EPA requirement to raise the emission stack at the Duleek plant by 25 metres, to more than 60 metres.

Officials said it contradicted conditions attached to planning rights granted on the basis there would be no impact on the Boyne World Heritage Site.

If allowed the incinerator would be visible from one of the megalithic passage tombs at Dowth, Newgrange, inside the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site.

The Ringaskiddy plant, costing €75m initially, will handle 100,000 tonnes of hazardous and non-hazardous waste a year. The plant, which could be operational in 2007, is likely to employ some 50 people.

The Duleek site, will deal with 150,000 tonnes of non-hazardous rubbish at a cost of €85m.