INCINERATORS: decisions pending

There are currently two waste-to-energy type incinerator proposals before An Bord Pleanála, where decisions are imminent. A third in relation to a proposal for an incinerator for Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, is currently before the courts.

The three are:

1. Carranstown, Co Meath. Permission for the State's first municipal waste incinerator, at Carranstown, Co Meath, was granted in 2002 to Indaver Ireland. Inspector James Carroll recommended refusal but the board cited national policy in its decision to grant permission. While the board did attach conditions to address the inspector's concerns, it said the facility was a necessary public utility and that the board must have regard to national waste management policy in its decision and granted approval.

However, following a call by Meath County Council for a larger plant based on growth in its main population centres, Indaver decided to increase its capacity. As a result, the project had to go back through the planning process. A decision on the matter is due from An Bord Pleanála in a matter of weeks.

2. Poolbeg peninsula, Dublin. Dublin City Council recently announced it was to enter into a "put or pay" contract with a private company, (a joint venture between Covanta Energy, USA, a subsidiary of Covanta Holding Corporation, and DONG Energy Generation, Denmark) to operate the proposed Dublin waste-to-energy plant at the Poolbeg peninsula. A decision on planning permission on the project was expected this month. An Bord Pleanála said it expects the decision to be announced "within a matter of weeks".

3. Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. An Bord Pleanála approved planning permission to Indaver Ireland for a toxic waste incinerator in Ringaskiddy in 2004. Planning inspector Philip Jones conducted a three-week oral hearing and recommended rejection on 14 counts but the board overturned his decision, based on national policy.

About seven other regional waste incinerators are at various stages of development, pre-planning permission.