Incinerator plans ruled ‘contrary to waste management aims’

Under the proposals drawn up by private company Energy Answers International, the €250 million plant would have been built between Kill and Rathcoole.

In addition to creating up to 300 jobs over the next couple of years, the firm argued that the incinerator would operate ‘to the highest environmental standards’, and be capable of generating sustainable and renewable energy to benefit the whole of Ireland.

However, An Bord Pleanala has ruled against the plans, citing an objective of the Waste Management Plan for the Dublin region in arguing that the plant would be “in conflict with the integrated approach to waste management”.

Furthermore, concerns of residents over possible noise and traffic levels were also taken on board in making the decision, the authority stated.

Welcoming the news, Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins spokesman Liam McDermott added that the Irish government should step up its recycling and waste management efforts, the Leinster Leader has reported.