Planners urged to fast-track toxic ash dump

Planners were asked to sign off on proposals to fast-track Ireland’s first dump for toxic ash, it was revealed today.

More than 60 jobs could be created if the north Dublin facility gets the go-ahead to treat hazardous material from the country’s two incinerators.

Management firm Murphy Environmental Hollywood (MEHL) has applied for a rapid planning assessment under strategic infrastructure rules.

Developers say the dump at MEHL’s landfill in Hollywood near the Naul will be able to take in toxic ash from the Indaver incinerator being built in Duleek, Co Meath and the planned Dublin Waste to Energy plant in Poolbeg.

Patricia Rooney, MEHL general manager, said exporting hazardous waste was expensive and runs against EU rules.

“Ireland currently has no suitably operated, future proofed facility to treat hazardous and ash waste,” she said.

“These downsides will deepen further within the next few years when new incinerators commence operations.”

MEHL said the development could create more than 50 construction jobs and take 12 months to complete and employ another 10 people once up and running.

The firm said all waste treated at the facility will be non-biodegradable, it will not accept food waste and have no odours, no methane, no vermin and no impact on greenhouse gases.

MEHL plans to treat the ash and bury it in sealed containers.

Incinerators can create ash with heavy metals, unburned chemicals and new chemicals formed during the burning process.