Frequently Asked Questions

Does waste have to be treated in Dublin?

According to the EU Proximity Principle waste must be dealt with as close to the source of generation as possible. By adopting the current waste management policy, the Dublin Authorities recognise their responsibility to manage in the most environmentally sustainable manner, waste generated in the Dublin Region. Exporting Dublin's waste to landfills in neighbouring countries is not sustainable as Dublin must face up to its own waste creation problem.

What is the waste situation in Denmark like?

Incineration with energy recovery (power and heating) was introduced as a method of treating waste in Denmark in 1903. An integrated system of waste management has been in operation in Denmark for a number of decades and incineration forms a major part of this plan. The targets for dealing with waste in Denmark are broadly similar to those for Ireland, with the current 66% recycling, 26% incineration and 8% landfill. In a similar manner to Dublin, the idea of source segregation of waste is a key element of the Danish model. Local Authorities have collection systems where the recyclable wastes are collected in separate bins/sacks from households and any leftover waste is incinerated with energy recovery.

Is the Dublin Waste to Energy plant an opt out for greater reduction and recycling?

Absolutely not and it has been shown all over Europe, that countries with the best records in minimisation and recycling also have high levels of thermal treatment. For example, Sweden, which is often held up as an example of a country with an excellent record in recycling manages its waste as follows:

• 26% Recycling
• 8% Composting
• 36% Energy Recovery
• 30% Landfill

What is the policy of dealing with hazardous waste?

It should be noted that it is the Environmental Protection Agency and not the Local Authorities who have the responsibility for dealing with hazardous waste planning. That is why hazardous waste is not dealt with in the Dublin Waste Management Plan. Hazardous waste in this country is currently being exported, as we have no facility to deal with any hazardous waste that we create. This practice is in contravention to the EU Proximity Principle. However there are seven modern industrial incinerators throughout the country usually associated with chemical plants that treat their own hazardous waste produced on site. The EPA has called for the installation of three hazardous waste management facilities (one incineration plant and two landfills). The proposed thermal treatment facility for Poolbeg will not treat hazardous waste.

Which sites were selected for consideration?

Before any site was selected the entire Dublin Region was considered, but through a sieving process this was narrowed down to 10 then 4 and eventually the preferred site. The details of all of these sites are found on page 52 of the Siting Study which, can be obtained from the Ringsend Regional Office.

To what extent have the other three potential sites been properly investigated as potential areas?

The four shortlisted sites were considered against the same set of criteria and Poolbeg emerged as the preferred site. This is the only site that is being considered at the moment as it will be the ultimate decision of An Bord Pleanala and the EPA to decide whether or not a plant will be built on that site.

Will Planning permission be sought for the other three sites and if not why?

At the moment planning approval will not be sought for the other three sites because Poolbeg is currently the preferred site. It is not feasible to present four sites to An Bord Pleanala as it is not the remit of An Bord Pleanala to select which of the four sites is more suitable in relation to the other three. An Bord Pleanala makes its ruling based on the merits of the individual sites and currently it is the belief of Dublin City Council that the Poolbeg site is most suitable. However, while Poolbeg is undoubtedly the preferred site, none of the other short listed sites have been rejected.

Why is the site based in city centre locations vis a vis in the mountains, in the countryside etc.?

The first step of the siting study was to rule out areas that did not have the correct zoning. This includes ruling out proposed Natural Heritage Areas and Areas of High Amenity or Archaeological Interest as to build a thermal treatment plant in these areas would materially contravene the Development Plan, which in essence is the elected representatives plan for how the entire city should function (following extensive periods of public consultation). Because of this, areas like the Phoenix Park or the Dublin Mountains are not suitable sites for the development of a thermal treatment plant.