Dunboyne Combined Residents Association
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Waste & Recycling
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Renewable, Recyclable, Responsible.
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22.02.05
Permission Refused to Thornton Waste Disposal
Permission was refused on 31.01.05 by An Bord Pleanala for the intensification of waste processing from 5,000 tonnes to 50,000 tonnes per annum at the Dunboyne Industrial Estate. To view the full report Click Here and scroll down to Bord Reference Number: 17208650
08.09.04
The Coolmine Recycling Centre, Coolmine Industrial Estate
The following materials are accepted free of charge from households:
- glass bottles and jars,
- beverage cartons, rinsed and flattened
- plastic packaging
o only clean food containers
o empty plastic bags
o plastic bottles rinsed and squashed, caps removed
- newspapers, paper, magazines, light cardboard,
- heavy cardboard
- aluminium cans
- food cans
- taxtile
- batteries
- fridges/freezers.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment, along with bulky items, are accepted
with a charge to pay in bin tags. Bin tags can be obtained in the Spar shop
in Clonsilla.
The list of items is exhaustive and includes many from armchair to tumble dryer,
from curtains to radiators, storage heater, keyboard, desktop photocopier and
many more.
It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 4:30pm.
30.03.03
DCRA Appeal to An Bord Pleanala
Meath County Council's Decision to Grant Permission for Proposed Civic Amenity and Recycling Centre at Dunboyne Ref: DA/20269
DCRA is an umbrella organisation representing twenty-one Residents' Associations
in Dunboyne. DCRA recognises and supports the important role that the collection
and recycling of materials plays in the context of a comprehensive and sustainable
waste disposal solution. However, there are a number of concerns regarding the
current proposal that DCRA consider to be inappropriate in terms of location
and form and in contravention of the County Development Plan and the North East
Region Waste Plan.
Residents' disappointment with the decision of Meath County Council to grant permission gives rise to this appeal which respectfully requests An Bord Pleanála to overturn the decision of the Planning Authority and to Refuse Permission.
Grounds of Appeal are submitted under the following headings: -
· Locational Context.
· Procedural Concerns.
· Material Contravention of Development Plan.
· Material Contravention of Waste Plan.
· Client's Specific Concerns.
· Conclusion.
Support
DCRA thanks residents who have generously contributed the finance to pay for
the services of a professional to make their case to An Bord Pleanala to have
the Meath County Council decision overturned and to refuse permission for the
proposed development.
To view DCRA's submissions to Meath County Council on this issue dated 25.09.02 and 28.01.03 please see below
28.01.03
28th January 2003
Chief Planning Officer
Meath County Council
Planning Reference: DA/20269
Thank you for your letter of 15th January 2003 in relation to the additional information requested regarding the above planning reference.
We have obtained a copy of the documentation submitted by Padraic Thornton Waste Disposal Limited (PTWDL). While we note that some of our observations and concerns raised in our original submission of 20th September 2002 have been referred to in the PTWDL documentation, we would again strongly object to the above planning application based on the following observations:
1. There is insufficient information in the applications in relation to the environmental and traffic impacts on Dunboyne village/community. While some numbers have been quoted by PTWDL it is our view that these figures have been grossly underestimated considering the current population of Dunboyne. Secondly, no Integrated Area Action Plan appears to have been comprised that examines the traffic and environmental impacts such as traffic congestion, air pollution and noise pollution.
2. There is insufficient information in the application in relation to the amount of waste that will be handled each day at the proposed plant. This point has only been addressed by PTWDL in so far as it refers to waste quantities from Dunboyne. However, the report clearly states that waste may be taken from "a wider catchment within south east County Meath".
3. The operating times of the proposed plant are excessive and unacceptable. The proposed 11 hour day, 6 days a week is not conducive to a village environment. Additionally the noise, traffic and pollution impacts have not been measured or reported.
4. There is insufficient information in the application in relation to the amount of commercial and domestic vehicles that will be visiting the plant each day. This point has only been addressed by PTWDL in so far as it refers to waste quantities from
5. Dunboyne. However, the report clearly states that waste may be taken from "a wider catchment within south east County Meath".
6. Very large articulated trucks will be carrying waste into the plant and also taking "recycled" material out of the site. This will significantly contribute to the severe traffic congestion already being encountered in Dunboyne village.
7. This development appears to be a large commercial operation in very close proximity to residential areas, schools (Junior and Senior Primary, St. Peter's Secondary and Gaelscoil), business community and the village. The PTWDL report has not addressed this issue.
8. There are overhead power lines close to the proposed site. No information is available from the planning application as to how these will be safeguarded. The PTWDL report has not addressed this issue.
9. This is not a "public civic amenity" - it appears to be a commercial operation. The size and scale of the operation (1.6 hectares) appears to indicate that there is room for expansion of operations if you consider that the Padraic Thornton Killeen Road site covers only 1.25 hectares, employs 70 people and handles 150,000 tonnes of waste per annum, soon to be increased to 250,000 tonnes. Why is such a huge site required in Dunboyne?
10. The current agricultural zoning at this site does not permit the proposed type of activity. This type of land, by its nature, is absorbent and prides natural soakage. To facilitate the construction of an operation as described in the PTWDL document would mean that the agricultural land would need to be replaced by hardcore. This will result in water run-off, may upset the underlying water table and has the potential to lead to flooding. Unfortunately this is exactly what has happened in other parts of the village with disastrous flooding consequences. DCRA is opposed to any further development in Dunboyne until the problem with flooding is resolved to the satisfaction of residents.
11. Although the issue of noise appears to have been considered in the PTWDL document, there will still be some noise pollution that will affect Dunboyne village and its population e.g. glass tipping is extremely noisy. The proposed corrugated shed will not provide noise insulation to the surrounding residential, office and school environments. The PTWDL document states "noise levels are…not expected
12. to exceed the EPA recommended levels". There is no guarantee that the noise levels will not be excessive.
13. There is insufficient information in the application in relation to how the proposed plant would segregate and handle hazardous material e.g. asbestos that could be included as part of builders' skips waste. How will this be controlled and monitored?
14. The proposed plant will cause both air pollution and dust pollution. This will seriously affect the health of the residents, office workers and school-going children in the surrounding area. The PTWDL document attempts to deal with these issues but cannot deny that there will be air and dust pollution. There is a green area at the rear of the Lutterell Hall estate that will be used by children and families for recreational purposes. This area will be affected by the dust and noise that would be generated by the operation of the proposed plant.
15. The nature of the waste being handled will certainly result in the presence of pest and vermin despite what is stated in the PTWDL document (1.12.1 and 1.12.4). The proposed plan intends to process garden waste, cans and bottles. Garden Waste has the potential to attract vermin and birds as do food residues that may be present in cans and bottles. This may seriously affect the health of the residents, office workers and school-going children in the surrounding area.
16. Should the facility be sited on the Dunboyne Industrial Estate many of the above objections would remain valid and DCRA would continue to lodge objections.
We would suggest that such a public civic amenity, recycling centre and materials recovery facility should be sited equidistant from the towns, and away from urban populations, that it will service e.g. equal distance from Dunboyne, Ratoath and Dunshaughlin.
We trust that you will consider these serious objections and our recommendations in your appraisal of this planning application (DA/20269). End
25.09.02
Large Waste Disposal Facility in Dunboyne Village
Planning Reference: DA/20269
Thornton Waste Disposal have submitted a planning application to Meath County Council to site a waste disposal facility on approximately 4.5 acres of agricultural land in the village of Dunboyne.
At a meeting of DCRA held on 23rd September it was unanimously agreed that an objection to the above planning application be lodged on the grounds stated below. Each Residents Association, other organisations in Dunboyne and individual residents are asked to submit an objection. According to an anti-democratic Government regulation, which is now being challenged in the European Court, a payment of 20 Euro must accompany each objection submitted. Submissions must be received by Meath County Council by Wednesday, 2nd October.
1. There is insufficient information in the application in relation to the environmental and traffic impacts on Dunboyne village/community;
2. There is insufficient information in the application in relation to the amount of waste that will be handled each day at the proposed plant;
3. There is insufficient information in the application in relation to the operating times of the proposed plant;
4. There is insufficient information in the application in relation to the number of commercial and domestic vehicles that will be visiting the plant each day;
5. Very large articulated trucks will be carrying waste into the plant and also taking "recycled" material out of the site. This will significantly contribute to the severe traffic congestion already being encountered in Dunboyne village;
6. This development appears to be a large commercial operation in very close proximity to residential areas, schools (Junior and Senior Primary, St. Peter's Secondary and Gaelscoil), business community and the village;
7. It would appear from the maps that there is no provision made for parking trucks and queuing to gain access to the site;
8. There are overhead power lines close to the proposed site. No information is available from the planning application as to how these will be safeguarded;
9. This is not a "public civic amenity" - it appears to be a commercial operation. There is not sufficient information in the planning application in relation to this;
10. The current agricultural zoning at this site does not permit the proposed type of activity;
11. There will be a high level of noise. The drawings indicate that a corrugated shed will enclose the operation. This will not provide noise insulation to the surrounding residential, office and school environments;
12. There is a discrepancy between the application form and the site notice in relation to the waste permit. The Planning Application Form indicates that the development does not require a waste permit. However, the Site Notice clearly states "the proposed development requires a waste permit".
13. There is insufficient in the application in relation to how the proposed plant would segregate and handle hazardous material e.g. asbestos that could be included as part of builders' skip waste.
14. The proposed plant will cause both air pollution and dust pollution. This will seriously affect the health of the residents, office workers and school-going children in the surrounding area;
15. The nature of the waste being handled will certainly result in the presence of pest and vermin. Again this will seriously affect the health of the residents, office workers and school-going children in the surrounding area; and
16. The proposed site is directly in the flight path for Dublin Airport. There could potentially be a problem with birds attracted to the proposed site impeding aircraft paths.
17. This proposed operation is in close proximity to Lutterell Hall with no physical barrier between them.
Please note that DCRA has in membership twenty-one Residents Associations representing approximately eighty per cent of the village population. We trust that you will consider these serious objections in your appraisal of this planning application (DA/20269).
Updated 02.12.02
Recycling Update
- Thornton and Mahon have provided domestic recycling bins to every household
in Dunboyne. This service is provided free of charge for an approximate period
of six months to allow the contractors to work out the cost of this service.
It is expected that after this period of time the service will be billed.
- Recycling banks for glass and drink cans have been installed at the site of
the new library last week. We are in contact with Meath County Council to see
if we cannot get additional banks for plastics and papers.
Return to top of page
Updated 04.09.02
Rubbish
174 countries have assembled in Johannesburg for the earth summit. Saving the world can start in your own back yard. There is landfill, incineration, recycling and preventatives measures.
Landfill: They release toxic gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and vinyl chloride into the air. There are possible links to incidences with cancer.
Incineration: Is more expensive and releases multiple noxious gases and leaves carcinogenic ash.
Recycling: EU legislation states that two-thirds of waste must be dealth with other than by landfill means by 2020 or the country will face huge fines. Recycling can begin in your own back yard and soon hopefully in Dunboyne.
Preventative Measures: The environmental tax on plastic bags is proving phenomenally successful. The government intends to use this tax on environmental programmes. There has been a reduction of 90% on the previous total of 1.2 billion free plastic bags.
Updated 06.07.02
Fact Sheets
The Environmental Protection Agency has published a series of ten fact sheets containing detailed information on each of the following waste streams: glass, textiles, ferrous metals, paper, cardboard, plastics, non-ferrous metals, aluminium, wood and composites (used beverage cartons). Find under Strategy for Developing Recycling Markets in Ireland in the EPA Site
Updated 09.06.02
Environment Protection Agency
"Available data indicates that the quantity of recyclable waste generated in Ireland is increasing. It is also evident that the rate of waste recycling is lower than international norms and national targets. However, improved recycling rates are possible and Ireland should now take steps to improve recycling rates by tackling one of the principal barriers to recycling: the lack of outlets for recycled materials.
In order to overcome this and other barriers, a strategic approach is proposed whereby all the required elements for a major increase in the recycling of waste can be put in place and the forces and drivers to achieve this increase can be managed effectively and pro-actively. The strategic approach will require the participation of a variety of key stakeholder groups and their actions must be co-ordinated to ensure that national targets are achieved."
The EPA is shortly to publish a report entitled "A Strategy for Developing Recycling Markets in Ireland." To view the EPA website click here.
Updated 03.05.02
Dear Residents,
DCRA has recently set up a sub-committee to deal exclusively with matters related
to waste and recycling. These are becoming very important as costs of waste
handling have dramatically increased and recycling facilities around Dunboyne
are currently very poor.
We are in regular contact with Meath Country Council and politicians to ensure
that:
· efforts to improve the situation are being made,
· Dunboyne benefits from any improvement.
This website page is dedicated to informing you of the current recycling and
waste management possibilities as well as keeping you informed of any developments/negotiations
taking place.
Claire Aumont
Chairperson Waste and Recycling Sub-Committee
What is Currently Happening
We have been told by the County Council that:
· banks for bottles and cans are to be installed on the Rooske Road.
We are currently chasing the Council to find out what is delaying the project.
· Recycling banks for glass, cans, plastics and textiles are to be installed
at the site of the new library in September 2002. We will pursue the council
to ensure that these banks are effectively installed as soon as the new site
is opened to the public.
· We have asked for paper banks.
Recycling Facilities for the Residents
of Dunboyne
It is possible to reduce the costs of an ordinary current wheelie
bin by opting for a smaller bin or for bags properly labelled with the waste
collector's name. However reducing the waste to be collected can only be achieved
by increasing the recycling of some items. Below are the current possibilities:
Home Composting
Composting is the breakdown of organic material, such as kitchen and garden
waste by micro-organisms that feed on the waste. Organic material is anything
that once lived, for instance flowers, grass, fruit and vegetables. Composing
of organic materials is relatively simple and can be carried out in your own
garden. The result is compost, a dark nutrient-rich soil enhancer.
Approximately 33% of your household waste can be composted successfully, so
you can reduce the quantity of rubbish sent for disposal, and your disposal
costs.
What can be composted?
· Green leaves
· Grass clippings
· Fruit
· Vegetables and peelings
· Tea leaves and bags
· Egg shells and boxes
· Small amounts of paper and cardboard
· Pasta
· Bread
As a rule of thumb, avoid cooked food, meat and oily materials.
Home composting units are available by purchasing a ticket at the cash desk, county Hall, Navan. The units can then be collected at the Navan Recycling Centre. Units are €40 each, and come with instruction booklet and kitchen caddy for easy use.
The Recycling Centre at Navan
The recycling centre is permanently manned: nothing can be illegally
dumped, nothing can be disposed of without the control of one of the staff.
These places are clean and do not smell. They allow you to dispose of many items
of household waste as well as the awkward and dangerous items such as kitchen
appliances, batteries and oils.
Ideally every large town should benefit from a similar facility. Unfortunately
the Navan Amenity Centre is the closest to Dunboyne in county Meath.
Navan Civic Amenity Facility,
Mullaghboy Industrial Estate, Athboy Road, Navan
Tel: 046-21837
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4.45pm.
Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Household waste materials accepted for recycling and recovery:
(All materials accepted free of charge)
· Green, brown and clear glass *
· Newspaper
· Cardboard & cardboard packaging
· Food * & beverage cans
· Plastic bottles * (mineral bottles, detergent bottles, milk containers,
other plastic packaging)
· Reusable clothing
· Used household batteries
· Lead acid car batteries
· Waste engine oil
· Fluorescent tubes & lamps
· Large white goods (e.g. fridges, washing machines, etc.)
· Waste tyres
· Waste metals
· Timber
· Green waste
*Please rinse
Recycling Banks
Currently there is only one bank (for textiles) in the village.
Outside Dunboyne:
Dunshaughlin - County Council Offices Glass/Cans/Textiles
Ratoath - Community Centre Car Park Glass/Cans/Textiles
Dublin Corporation Waste Management Depot
On Collins Avenue extension (near DCU) Paper/Plastics
Opened Monday to Thursday 10-4
Friday 10-12:50
Updated 02.04.02
Incineration Warning
The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association (IDEA) has warned that Thermal treatment should not be considered as a viable waste management option. "We have a waste problem in Ireland at the moment, but by burning our waste, and thereby reducing the volume, we simply have a different problem," Dr Cullen said.
"Incineration is not a solution to anything. We are opposed to incineration for two reasons. First of all, it does not make sense to burn the Earth's resources; resources that we should recycle and reuse and share with future generations. "Incineration does not remove or destroy rubbish; it just transforms it into emissions to the environment. The very presence of incinerators creates their own demand, and allows us to continue with our throwaway habits," Dr Cullen said.
"Secondly, we have concerns regarding adverse health effects. There are many types of compounds in our domestic waste, which contain numerous chemicals. It does not make sense to burn these chemicals which will combine in the furnace, releasing unknown compounds, whose composition and effects we know little about, into the environment".
"The decrease in waste volume arises from the dispersal of gases and particulate aerosols. It is therefore impossible to predict adverse health effects of incinerators, new or updated. As a consequence, our association is concerned about adverse health effects due to emissions from incinerators, and we are totally opposed to the process," Dr Cullen said.
Updated: 26.03.02
The Costs
County Meath waste must firstly be transported to Dublin, where it is baled for further transportation the landfill site at Kill.
Waste which cost €63.50 per tonne to deposit at Basketstown now costs €114.30 for compaction and landfill fee. This doesn't take into account the transportation costs and the extra time costs as drivers queue in traffic to transport the material. The average increase in costs is €119 per 240 litre household bin.
These costs are determined by each waste collector and are in no way influenced by Meath County Council.
The bad news is that even if we get a new landfill site in County Meath, the increased costs of running a landfill site to the very high EU and National Standards required, will ensure that costs are remain high.
Don't litter and Don't Tolerate those who do!
If you would like to report an incident of illegal dumping or littering, call Meath County Council's lo-call litterline, in total confidence. Please leave as many details as possible to allow us to identify the incident and to contact you for verification. 1890 228 466.
Bottle Bank for Dunboyne
A Bottle Bank will be made available in Dunboyne hopefully by the end of next month - April. Receptacles for glass, cans, textiles and plastics will help householders who have no access to the Navan Recycling Centre to reduce their waste by 20%. DCRA is negotiating to have a paper recycling facility added.