Waste recovery facility gets the thumbs-down

By Maurice Garvey

PLANS by Shillelagh Quarry to establish a waste recovery facility at their Brittas site, has been refused by South Dublin County Council.

The nearby location of Brittas River, had a determining factor in the decision.

In its reason for refusing the planning application on September 19, the council cited a lack of a report in the application for environmental pollution and effects on the local Brittas waters.

The council also stated the application lacked a hydrological assessment, and drawings to show the foul layout, and how wash water will be dealt with.

They also cited the lack of a risk assessment of the proposed waste recovery activities – classified by the Geological Survey of Ireland as an area of “extreme vulnerability regarding the ease at which groundwater may be contaminated and its location approximately 2km from Brittas Well.”

The report states there is a “minor risk that the proposed activities could result in contaminant emissions to groundwater specifically from the placement of waste, spills, leaks, fuel or oil.”

The council say the existing road network deficiency would “render the network unsuitable to carry the increased road traffic likely to result from the development.”

Proposals seeking to fill a sand and gravel pit are not permitted under the county development plan, according to the council.

Brittas River forms part of the county’s green infrastructure network, and an important link with the urban area’s water supply, through its connection with Poulaphouca Reservoir, and on a site rich with biodiversity.

As such, the council said the proposed development would be contrary to policies and objectives within the county development plan.