An Bórd Pleanála has begun an oral hearing into plans for a £65 million thermal treatment plant in County Kildare. The plant would be located half a mile from the centre of Kilcock village and would be used to treat hazardous waste. The plan has generated huge local opposition. Residents say that it is a toxic incinerator and is being placed in a totally unsuitable area. They cite the farming activities around Kilcock and the stud farm business, which is heavily dependent on Ireland’s clean green image. They are also worried about health aspects. Permission for the plant was turned down last year by Kildare County Council. The company behind the plan, Thermal Waste Management, is now appealing that decision.
Thermal Waste Management say that the plant will be of the highest possible standards. There will be strict controls on dioxin emissions and the ash, which is the waste product, will be vitrified and made safe. Furthermore, Ireland is now required to get rid of its own hazardous waste instead of exporting it. However, it is the planning aspects that concern An Bórd Pleanála. The oral hearing is being held in Maynooth and both sides have lined up a number of experts who will give evidence in the coming days.
The Dublin local authorities are trying to convince councillors that incineration is also the way forward for disposing household waste in the capital. A number of Dublin councillors have been taken to see incinerators in European capitals.
