CHASE Press Release - 25-04-06
Incinerator Road Risk Too High...And Planning Inspector Said So
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Today’s sulphuric acid spillage at Shannonpark Roundabout on the Carrigaline Rd, Co Cork, legitimizes arguments made by Cork residents that the current infrastructure is inadequate to deal with the scale of hazard and risk associated with the proposed Hazardous Waste Incinerator. The 100,000 tonne Hazardous Waste incinerator will see an extra 80 trucks per day bringing toxic waste to Ringaskiddy.

This argument was presented at the An Bord Pleanala Oral Hearing into the Ringaskiddy Incinerator, and was upheld by the Inspector in his recommendations (outlined below), but brushed over by the Board when they overturned his recommendations, and granted planning.

In his final point (no. 14) Inspector Philip Jones stated clearly: “The Board is not satisfied, on the basis of the evidence submitted to it and heard at the oral hearing, that the proposed development would not pose significant risks to public safety in the event of major accident hazard, …. having regard to the inadequacy of emergency infrastructure in the area and to the location of the site at the end of the peninsula, with limited road access.”

A spokesperson for CHASE said “The current emergency services, heath and safety resources, and infrastructure network are not resourced to cope with the risk involved with the transport of this volume of hazardous waste to Ringaskiddy. An Bord Pleanalas Senior Planning Inspector agreed with this.

Today a few drums of sulphuric acid fell off a truck, and the Fire Services do not know how to handle the spill. They do not want to wash it away, as the sulphuric acid will go down the drains. Imagine the increased risk with an extra 80 trucks of toxic waste on that same road daily, and a further increase in truck traffic to the 100,000 tonne municipal waste incinerator. The risk of a major accident is hugely increased, and the emergency services are just not equipped to deal with it.”

--- Extract from ABP Inspectors Recommendations Below --

For further information:
Mary Hurley, CHASE PRO, 021 4813070 086 8162448
Mary O’Leary, CHASE Chairperson, 021 4811952 086 8177737

Extract from An Bord Pleanala Inspectors Recommendations, no’s 11, 12, 13, 14

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

In the light of the above Assessment, I consider that the proposed development should be refused, for the reasons set out in the Schedule of Reasons below.

11. Having regard to the location of the proposed development at the end of the peninsula of Ringaskiddy, with a single road access and no rail access, on the southern coast of the State, and to the scale of the development which is designed to source waste from all parts of the State, it is considered that the proposed development would involve excessive movement of vehicular traffic through urban areas, and hence would give rise to conditions that would be prejudicial to public safety and amenity. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.

12. The existing road infrastructure in the vicinity of the site, particularly along the N28 national primary route at Carr’s Hill, the Shannonpark and Shanbally roundabouts, and along the LP2545 local road within Ringaskiddy, is currently the subject of serious traffic congestion, and is inadequate to accommodate the extra volume of traffic and traffic movements that would be generated by the proposed development, both during construction and operational phases, particularly the significant H.G.V. content. It is considered that the proposed development would endanger public safety by reason of a serious traffic hazard and obstruction of road users.

13. The proposed development would be premature by reference to the existing deficiencies in the road network serving the area of the proposed development, which it is not likely will be rectified within a reasonable period.

14. The Board is not satisfied, on the basis of the evidence submitted to it and heard at the oral hearing, that the proposed development would not pose significant risks to public safety in the event of major accident hazard, particularly in view of the proximity of the site to the National Maritime College, and to nearby Seveso II establishments, and having regard to the inadequacy of emergency infrastructure in the area and to the location of the site at the end of the peninsula, with limited road access.

Philip Jones,
Senior Planning Inspector,
5/1/04