An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission to Indaver for an incinerator in Cork Harbour. The company had sought to construct a €150 million twin incinerator at the harbour on the Ringaskiddy site, but they were informed of An Bord Pleanala’s decision yesterday via post.
Indaver Ireland had originally applied for planning permission for a 100,000 tonne hazardous waste incinerator, a 140,000 tonnes municipal waste incinerator and a transfer station. Last year, An Bord Pleanála indicated it was considering granting permission for a 100,000 tonne hazardous waste incinerator and a transfer station if certain concerns over flooding, coastal erosion and the size of the facility were addressed.
In May 2010 Indaver reduced the size of the buildings by 40% while retaining the same capacity while it also made changes so water would be recycled rather than discharged. It is almost ten years since waste management company Indaver first applied to build on the 30-acre site in the Lower Harbour.
Ringaskiddy has the highest concentration of chemical companies in the country, with Cork producing more than 60% of the country’s toxic waste. From the outset, Indaver argued that Ireland had to stop shipping its toxic problem overseas. But objectors, including the CHASE, always opposed the project on health grounds saying there are cleaner, safer technologies available.
The board also directed Indaver Ireland to pay almost €500,000 in costs to several parties including the board and the Cork Harbour Alliance for a safe environment according to RTE news.