Learning lessons from the Ringaskiddy incineration story

The inclusion of incineration in waste management policies has proven very contentious in the Republic of Ireland. Even though the Cork Region Waste Management Strategy (1995-2020) acknowledged the role of incineration it came as no surprise that a planning application in May 2001 by Indaver Ireland for two incinerators in Cork Harbour was met with fierce local opposition. This paper tells the story which unfolded from May 2001 to May 2007 and examines the roles played by public bodies such as Cork County Council, An Bord Pleanala, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Authority. The Indaver case reveals flaws in the planning process and highlights the need for a more coordinated approach which fosters trust, credibility and legitimacy. BACKGROUND In May 2001 the Belgian company Indaver announced its intention to build two incinerators 1 at Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour. It did so safe in the knowledge that local, national and European Union policy supported incineration as a waste treatment option. The Cork Region Waste Management Strategy 1995-2020 introduced the concept of separation of household and commercial waste at a mechanical separation plant and the use of some form of thermal treatment through incineration. The National Climate Change Strategy 2000 and the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2001 headed in the same direction; the latter document stated that “a thermal treatment facility for the 1 Phase 1 of the proposal was for a 100,000 tonnes per annum incinerator for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste. Phase 2 of the proposal included a 100,000 tonnes per annum facility for non-hazardous commercial and household waste.