Press Release - 11 May 2007, Dublin

Disappointment at Supreme Court decision

Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment (VOICE) would like to express its disappointment at the decision by the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal of the Co Meath man for the planned incinerator in Carronstown, Co Meath.

VOICE is strongly opposed to incineration as a form of waste disposal. Waste incineration generates toxic chemicals such as dioxins and releases more harmful gases into the environment than the burning of toxic fuels.

As well as this the economic implications of using incineration as a form of waste disposal should be taken into consideration. The fact that a private company is setting up the incinerator is also a cause for concern and may lead to a monopoly on a very contentious problem.

VOICE spokesperson Mindy O’Brien says:
“Incinerators cost millions of euros to build and run. The one slated for Co. Meath was estimated to cost over €80 million in 2002, which would be close to €100 million now, to build. Indaver is not building this incinerator for altruistic reasons. They will contract with the county and most likely mandate that waste produced in the area be routed to the incinerator for a time certain (around 25 years). As a result, tipping fees will most likely increase."

“Indaver is already urging Minister Roche to increase landfill fees to make incineration more competitive. This creates a very inflexible solution to waste management. It discourages the development of recycling facilities and dampens recycling efforts if most of the waste stream is diverted for incineration.”

The increase in bin charges that will most likely result may lead to more backyard burning and illegal dumping.

O’Brien added:
“Incineration is a short-term solution to a long-term problem. 95% of the waste stream is recoverable, therefore it would be better policy to invest in composting facilities and more recycling facilities. A 50-tonne composter facility would cost in the region of €2 million, whereas an incinerator would cost €80 million or more. It’s very obvious the composter would make better environmental and economic sense.

Pollution and leftover ash from incinerators gets into the air, water, soil, food, animals and the human body. Burning mixed waste releases thousands of toxic chemicals such as furans, arsenic, lead, mercury and dioxin and other chemicals, the effects of which scientists have little or no understanding. Dioxins contain known cancer causing agents and are the deadliest chemicals known to humankind.

For further information, please contact VOICE at 01 6425741 or email avoice@iol.ie.