[Southern Region]
5.2.3 Soils, Geology and Hydrogeology
Soils and water (including groundwater) are considered key environmental media for supporting life. Beyond that basic function soils also provide benefits not least in terms of their value as a material asset for building, agriculture, afforestation etc. The quality of soils and groundwater quality in Ireland are considered generally good although there are pressures impacting on its long term protection and maintenance particularly from land use changes, intensification of use, urbanisation and disposal of organic wastes to soils (EPA, 2008). Despite its importance, there is little in the way of direct EU or national legislation obliging Ireland to maintain soil quality, however indirectly issues such as contaminated land have been dealt with through other legislation (e.g. waste). In comparison implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the POMs provides for protection of our groundwater resource. The key issues associated with waste management and soils, geology and hydrogeology relate to:
Soils quality; Historic unregulated waste disposal sites, illegal landfills, closed landfills; Groundwater contamination leachate from poorly managed waste facilities; historic unregulated waste disposal sites, illegal landfills, closed landfills and illegal dump sites; Generation of waste from mining waste, quarries etc.; Potential impacts to drinking water sourced from groundwater; and Invasive species (discussed previously under biodiversity). Given the strategic nature of the RWMP, focus of the baseline for soils and geology is at a regional level. It is focussed on existing overall soil quality, presence of historic landfills, presence of quarries and mines and groundwater vulnerability for the Region and known activities which have the potential to impact on geology, soil and subsoil quality.
5.2.3.1 Soils Quality
The predominant soil types in the Southern Region are acid / basic deep well drained mineral soils, particularly in County Cork, while poorly drained mineral soils, shallow lithosolic podzolic types and peats are more common along the western Atlantic margins of the region (Kerry, Clare, west Cork and also Kilkenny). Scree sediments are also common in the region, reflecting the presence of hills and mountain belts such as the Blackstairs (Teagasc, EPA, Forest Service and GSI Soil Mapping, 2006).
An evaluation of soils was carried out as part of the National Soil Survey of Ireland (now known as Teagasc) for a number of counties in Ireland over a period of a number of years. Several of these surveys were carried out in counties within the Southern Region, the results of which are provided in Table 5 10. Soil suitability classification essentially consists of outlining the range of uses to which a given soil is adaptable, including determining the production potential of each soil for the normal range of farm or forest crops. This classification provides the essential link between the physical and economic aspects of the potential use of soils.
[MDR0998RP0012_F01] 49 [Southern Region]
Table 5 10 – Class A and Class B Soils Mapping in the Southern Region
County Class A* Class B** Carlow 63% (56,489ha) 4% (3,588ha) Clare 25% (78,756ha) 4% (10,992ha) Limerick 35% (228,803ha) 5% (33,460ha) North Tipperary 47% (93,769ha) 14% (14,681ha) Waterford 40% (74,241ha) 16% (29,690ha) West Cork 33% (60,220ha) 11% (19,251ha) Wexford 54% (127,150ha) 6% (14,605ha) *Class A: well adapted to new techniques and is mainly suitable for cultivated crops, pasture or forestry. **Class B: suitability having more limited use range than those in Class A and being generally of only moderate suitability for cultivated crops, pasture and forestry
In addition, Teagasc and the EPA have recently launched this year an Irish Soil Information System which provides spatial and quantitative information on soil types across Ireland. The key output of the Soil Information System is a soil map that displays the soil associations. This soil information system leads on from existing datasets that have been developed by bodies such as Teagasc, EPA and the GSI.
5.2.3.2 Waste Disposal
There are 22 licensed landfills in the Southern Region, consisting of 1 active municipal solid waste landfill and 21 closed landfills and these are shown in Figure 5 9 in Section 5.2.6.
There is no specific legislation addressing contaminated land in Ireland. The principle issues relevant to waste management include historic unregulated waste disposal sites, illegal landfills and closed landfills. In April 2007, the EPA published a Code of Practice that provided a framework for the identification of contaminated sites, the assessment of the potential risks associated with them and the identification of the appropriate remedial measures or corrective actions required to minimise risk to the environment and human health. Following the publication of the Code, the EPA trained local authority staff on its use and application. Local authorities are now implementing the Code and the EPA is overseeing its implementation; however, a list of contaminated sites within the Southern Region is not centrally compiled. Subsequent to the 2007 Code of Practice, the EPA in 2013 published Guidance on the Management of Contaminated Land and Groundwater at EPA Licensed Sites.
There are four principle categories of historic waste disposal sites considered here: illegal sites; local authority sites; pre 1977 sites; and private sites. These sites are variously covered under Section 22 of the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Historic Landfill Regulations 2008. Section 22 of the WMA has a wider scope than the Historic Landfill Regulations in that it includes all waste disposal or recovery sites, whereas the Historic Landfill Regulations only includes closed municipal landfills that operated between 1977 and 1997. The Section 22 Register contains “closed landfills” as defined by the Historic Landfill Regulations and also records information on landfills that fall outside the scope of the regulations, i.e. legacy landfills, pre 1977 sites; and private landfills (landfills that operated after 1980 under a local authority permit). The figures for these sites nationally are shown in Table
[MDR0998RP0012_F01] 50 [Southern Region]
5 11 along with classification by risk. Information for the Southern Region is presented in Figure 5 12 and shown in Figure 5 6 in relation to groundwater vulnerability.
Table 5 11 – National Figures for Historic Waste Disposal
Total National Total No. Sites High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk Illegal Sites 39 2 7 14 Local Authority 285 56 103 124 Sites Pre 1977 Sites 62 2 3 35 Private Sites 99 8 7 27 All sites 485 68 120 200 Source EPA 2014
Table 5 12 – Historic Waste Disposal in the Southern Region
Total (Southern) Total No. Sites High Risk Medium Risk Low Risk Illegal Sites 8 0 2 2 Local Authority 130 30 48 51 Sites Pre 1977 Sites 22 1 0 17 Private Sites 35 2 0 8 All sites 195 33 50 78 Source EPA 2014
5.2.3.3 Quarries and Mines
There are currently three active mines (Vedanta Lisheen Mining Limited, Galmoy Mines Limited and Roadstone Wood Limited) and 49 historic mining sites in the Southern Region. Table 5 13 provides details of the historic mines in the area and the type of commercial material which was extracted from them. Many of these historical sites have associated waste features such as spoil heaps and features associated with mine drainage which pose risk to the soil and water (surface and groundwater) environment.
Table 5 13 – Details of Historic Mines in the Southern Region
Location Site Name Material Mined Allihies Keeloge, Coom, Dooneen, Mountain Mine, Caminches, Caminches Stamps Cu ( S) Bunmahon Bunmahon District, Knockmahon, Tankardstown, Stage Cove Cu ( S) Caim Caim Pb (Zn Ba Ag) Clare Lead Ballyhickey, Ballyvergin, Kilbricken Pb (Zn Ba Ag) Clare Doolin Phosphate Phosphate
[MDR0998RP0012_F01] 51 [Southern Region]
Location Site Name Material Mined Gortdrum Gortdrum Cu Ag Hg Killaloe Slate Killaloe Slate Slate Leinster Deerpark, 28 Acres, Clogh Coal Coalfield Munster Munster Coalfield Coal Coalfield Ross Island Ross Island Cu ( S) Silvermines Ballygown, Magcobar, Shallee, Gorteenadiha, Garryard, Gortmore Pb (Zn Ba Ag)
Slieve Lickfinn, Ballynunty, Mardyke, Gorteen, Foilacamin (x2), Ballingarry, Ardagh Coal Coalfields Coalbrook, Earlshill, Ballyphillip, Commons, Boulea Tipperary Hollyford Cu ( S) Minors West Cork Ballycummisk, Coosheen, Lady's Well, Brow Head, Glandore, Crookhaven, Cu, Ba Cu Ba Mizen Head, Letter Data Source: EPA Historic Mines Project.
In addition to large scale mining activities, there are 2,711 mineral locations in the region as recorded by the Geological Survey of Ireland. These locations do not represent mining activities but rather are locations of possibly commercial mineral deposits as well as other mineral and geological features of interest. There are currently 142 active quarries and pits in the Southern Region.
5.2.3.4 Geology and Hydrogeology
The bedrock geology in the region is dominated by marine calcareous rocks, continental sands and metasediments and various volcanic intrusions. The oldest rocks in the region are generally in the south east of Wexford, comprised of Precambrian quartzites and gneisses as well as Cambrian and Ordovician metasediments and volcanics, including the large Leinster Granite province. Smaller patches of Silurian metasediments and volcanics occur generally in the mid to northern part of the region. Much of the bedrock in the southern part of the region including most of Kerry, Cork and Waterford is generally comprised of Devonian continental type rocks such as the Old Red Sandstone. Much of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Limerick is comprised of younger still Carboniferous limestones and shales. The youngest bedrock in the region is also to be found in the south east of Wexford, comprising Permian to Triassic age mudstones and gypsum.
In general the dominant aquifer type is locally important bedrock aquifer, followed by regionally important bedrock aquifer generally occurring in the middle of the region. Poor aquifers are generally found in the eastern part of the region around Wexford, Kilkenny, and also in North Tipperary and the western coastal portions of Cork and Kerry. Gravel aquifers are much smaller in number and extent, covering only about 1,221km2 nationally. The gravel aquifers in the Southern Region are classified as locally and regionally important.
Groundwater is a major natural resource in the Republic of Ireland and provides approximately 20 25% of the drinking water supplies for the entire country. The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) classifies the groundwater resource according to vulnerability, i.e. the hydrogeological
[MDR0998RP0012_F01] 52 [Southern Region] characteristics intrinsic to a groundwater body which determines how easily that water body may be contaminated through human activities. For the Southern Region, groundwater vulnerability exhibits a range of vulnerability ratings classified by Low risk up to Moderate, High, Extreme and ‘X’, where the rock is exposed near the surface or comprised of karst.
There are over 8,200 groundwater wells and springs in the region (those with the highest positional accuracy). Of these, approximately 243 are at the appropriate abstraction yield to provide for potable water supply.
To date, the GSI has completed Groundwater Protection Schemes (which includes the delineation of source protection zones for public water supplies) for the following local authorities in the region: Kilkenny, North Tipperary, South Tipperary, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Wexford. The EPA has also delineated additional source protection zones not covered by the GSI programme for the following local authorities: Kilkenny, North Tipperary, South Tipperary, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Wexford.
In addition to groundwater data, the GSI also holds a database on karst features in the country. Of the nearly 4,000 karst features recorded nationally, approximately 1,323 occur in the Southern Region. The majority of karst features in the region (which can include features such as swallow holes, turloughs and enclosed depressions) are scattered in a broadly north east to south west trend through the region (in general occurring with the presence of calcareous Carboniferous rocks), with significant patches of karst in Waterford and also Clare, the latter associated with the Burren landscape. The karst database is not comprehensive however, and new features are added as more information becomes available.
The Water Framework Directive requires that all Member States implement the necessary measures to prevent deterioration of the status of all waters including groundwater and protect, enhance and restore all waters with the aim of achieving at least good status by 2015. The Water Framework Directive is discussed further in Section 5.2.4 but in relation to the current status of groundwater in the Southern Region, Table 5 14 provides the status. It is clear that the Southern Region has a very high percentage of good status and the areas that have poor status occur mostly in the western parts of the region through central Clare, portions of Limerick, near the coastal portions of Kerry with additional patches of poor status groundwater around Cork City and Waterford City.
Table 5 14 – Groundwater Status in Southern Region
Groundwater Quality Status Percent Good 87.5% Poor 12.5%
5.2.3.5 Existing Environmental Pressures/ Problems: Soils, Geology & Hydrogeology
Despite the wide range of functions that soils perform from an ecosystem services perspective, there is little or no legislation relating directly to soils and soil protection and as such a targeted response to the pressure on soils in Ireland cannot be formulated to any great extent. While the pressures on the soil resource from the building sector have decreased in recent years, other intensifications are taking its place. Of particular note is Food Harvest 2020 which seeks to significantly increase the agricultural outputs from Ireland over the next 5 7 years. Whilst it is acknowledged that
[MDR0998RP0012_F01] 53 [Southern Region]
environmental compliance is placed at the heart of increased output, this intensification is nonetheless likely to put some additional pressures on soils, due to increased stock yields and increased use of organic and inorganic fertilisers. Historic, existing and indeed future waste infrastructure maybe a significant source of groundwater water pollution through the mobilisation and migration of leachate from the sites and inappropriate fire water retention systems. As addressed under biodiversity, peatlands are currently suffering from degradation and the NPWS have recently put in place a management plan for raised bogs, to complement the National Peatlands Strategy. Significant pressure from a variety of sources on peatlands e.g. afforestation which give rise to loss of soil structure and function. Peatlands offer ecosystem service through their potential as carbon store sites and therefore should not be over looked.
[MDR0998RP0012_F01] 54 Legend ¯ Waste Management Region County / Administrative Area Boundary EPA Historic Landfills XW XW High Risk Sites (29) Groundwater Vulnerability Rock at or Near Surface/Karst XW Extreme XW High XWXW Moderate XW Low Water XW XW Note: Landfill boundaries are symbolised here XW by a point placed on the centre of the polygon. XW
XW XW XW XW XW XW XW XW XW XW XW
XW XW XW
XW XW XW XW XW
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1019F01
Figure 5.6 High Risk Historic Landfills and Groundwater Vulnerability [Southern Region]
5.2.4 Water
Waste management can have significant potential to impact on the ecological status of a water body. Pollution by leachate, suspended solids and other pollutants are a potential significant problem where waste activities (authorised and unauthorised) close to or over watercourses, can have severe negative impacts on invertebrate and plant life and on all life stages of fish life cycles.
The key issues associated with waste management and water relates to:
Contamination from poorly managed waste facilities; historic unregulated waste disposal sites, legacy landfills, closed landfills and illegal dump sites; Acidification from airborne pollution [see air quality section]; Risk from flooding; Inappropriate siting of new waste treatment facilities within or adjacent to Water Framework Directive protected sites; and Infilling of C&D (soil and stone) waste at inappropriate locations.
5.2.4.1 Background
Overall, while water quality in Ireland is good relative to other EU countries, Ireland faces some considerable challenges in the coming years to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and other water directives. To date, water protection efforts have succeeded in reducing the extent of serious pollution in rivers but there remains a need to improve the status of others which are currently at less than good ecological status as reported by the EPA in 2012. The status has been improved to date mainly through a focused effort on tackling emissions from point sources such as inadequate/ poorly performing wastewater treatment plants. There is however still a need for significant and continued investment in wastewater infrastructure, as at a national level, 44 of the 170 large urban areas did not comply with the EU quality standards for wastewater treatment.
The three main challenges for water quality management are to eliminate serious pollution associated with point sources (waste water treatment plants); to tackle diffuse pollution (pollution from agricultural activities and septic tanks); and to use the full range of legislative measures in an integrated way to achieve better water quality (EPA, 20126).
A key development in meeting the requirements of the Water Framework Directive has been the publication of River Basin Management Plans. These plans have provided a coordinated approach to water management throughout Ireland and across Europe. The plans address many of the pressures on water however it will take time to fully resolve all the issues and residual pressures will remain. The first cycle River Basin Management Plans for the period 2009 to 2015 are in the process of being reviewed for the second cycle plans which will relate to the period 2015 to 2021. It is also clear that the current governance and administrative arrangements for water management are not optimal or configured to ensure the delivery of Water Framework Directive objectives in an efficient and effective manner (EPA, 2012). A more integrated approach between key governmental departments, the EPA and local authorities will be required to meet the challenges.
6 Irelands Environment, an Assessment. EPA, 2012
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 56 [Southern Region]
5.2.4.2 Water Classification
Since 2000, the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) has directed water management in the EU. For the purpose of implementing the WFD, Ireland was divided into eight River Basin Districts areas of land that are drained by a large river or number of rivers and the adjacent estuarine/coastal areas. The first cycle River Basin Management Plans outlined measures for water bodies within the River Basin Districts in order to meet the objectives of the Water Framework Directive.
The Southern Region incorporates all or part of four River Basin Districts: the South Eastern, the South Western, the Shannon (international) and the Western. The region contains sections of a number of important catchments, such as the Shannon, Barrow, Nore, Slaney, Suir, Blackwater and Lee and a number of rivers travel through the region, the primary ones being the Shannon, Barrow, Nore, Suir and Lee. Lough Derg and Lough Leane are the two main lakes in the region. Figure 5 7 shows the River Basin Districts and highlights main rivers within the region.
The Water Framework Directive requires that all Member States implement the necessary measures to prevent deterioration of the status of all waters (surface, estuarine and coastal) and protect, enhance and restore all waters with the aim of achieving at least good status by 2015. A “water status” assessment approach was implemented in Ireland as part of the Water Framework Directive implementation by local authorities. The approach incorporates chemical and biological monitoring into a status grade for each waterbody. Water Framework Directive water status is classified according to a scale of high, good, moderate, poor and bad. Figure 5 8 shows the current status of the river, lake and transitional/ coastal water bodies within the Southern Region as summarised in Table 5 15.
Table 5 15 Water Quality Status of Surface Waterbodies in Southern Region
River Water Quality Status Percent High Status 4.7% Good Status 15.2% Moderate Status 9.4% Poor Status 5.1% Bad Status 0.3% Not Classified 65.4% Lake Water Quality Status High Status 3.3% Good Status 7.8% Moderate Status 21.6% Poor Status 3.3% Bad Status 0% Not Classified 64.1% Transitional and Coastal Water Quality Status High Status 2.9% Good Status 12.4%
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 57 [Southern Region]
River Water Quality Status Percent Moderate Status 27.7% Poor Status 1.5% Not Classified 55.5% Note: Water Quality Status is for surface Waterbodies that are monitored as part of the Irish Water Framework Monitoring Programme.
5.2.4.3 Water Framework Directive Protected Areas
Article 6 of the Water Framework Directive requires each Member State to establish a register of protected areas for water bodies or parts of water bodies that must have extra controls on their quality by virtue of how their waters are used by people and wildlife. This register was split into five categories:
I. Drinking Waters; IV. Nutrient Sensitive waters; and
II. Economically Significant Aquatic Species; V. Protection of habitats. III. Recreational and Bathing Waters;
The presence of Water Framework Directive protected areas within the Southern Region is outlined in Table 5 16
Table 5 16 – Presence of Water Framework Directive Protected Areas within the Southern Region
Water Framework Directive Protected Areas Counts
Drinking Waters (rivers and lakes) 524
Economically Significant Aquatic Species (shellfish) 70
Recreational and Bathing Waters 53
Nutrient Sensitive Areas (rivers and lakes) 10
Protection of Habitats (SAC and SPA rivers) 1,175
5.2.4.4 Flood Risk
Flood risk presents two issues in relation to waste management. Firstly it can negatively impact on the operation of waste management activities due to flooding of sites or access routes which are used to move and manage wastes. Secondly flood waters may contain contaminants in the form of litter, leachate and other chemicals mobilised where flooding has inundated a waste facility.
Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Studies and Plans are currently being prepared in line with the European Directive 2007/60/EC (Floods Directive). It requires member states to carry out preliminary flood assessments in order to identify areas at risk from flooding. Each CFRAM Study is required to produce flood maps; flood risk objectives; and Flood Risk Management Plans. The CFRAM programme is central to the medium to long term strategy for the
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 58 [Southern Region] reduction and management of flood risk in Ireland. Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) are to be developed by 2016.
In addition, in 2009 the DECLG published ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ which will ensure that flood risk assessment and management is incorporated within the planning system. In relation to flooding, it is important that the Southern RWMP does not encourage development on sites which are prone to flooding. The siting of waste management facilities within areas vulnerable to flooding may result in the mobilisation of contaminants which can impact on the ecological status of a water body. For example, flooding from extreme storms may undermine landfill foundations, releasing leachate into groundwater, sweeping/transporting waste into waterways, and resulting in the possibility of waste causing obstructions to other infrastructure (culverts, stormwater drainage).
5.2.4.5 Existing Environmental Pressures/ Problems: Water
Historic, existing and indeed future waste infrastructure maybe a significant source of water pollution, potentially affecting rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal areas. Existing waste infrastructure related sources of water pollution are outlined below: Historic: Unlicensed/unregulated landfill sites and historical dumping are potential sources of water pollution. These sites due to their historic and unregulated nature are not engineered landfills with liner and leachate collections systems in place. Dangerous substances associated with leachate from such sites can be toxic to aquatic plants and animals. As such, they can persist in waters and sediments, and slowly build up in the bodies of aquatic organisms. Existing: Illegal dumping, legacy of closed waste sites currently requiring Tier 1, 2 or 3 assessments, pollution from closed sites through incidents (i.e. fire) and pollution from existing sites through poor management practices. These sites and activities result in surface water and groundwater pollution through the mobilisation and migration of leachate from the sites and inappropriate fire water retention systems. Future: Inappropriate siting of new waste treatment facilities within or adjacent to Water Framework Directive protected sites or flood zones. The siting and design of such future facilities should have consideration of Framework Directive protected areas and the CFRAMS Plans prepared within the region.
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 59 ¯ Western
Eastern
South Eastern Shannon
South Western
Legend
Waste Management Region River Water Body Lake Water Body River Basin District
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1022F01
Figure 5.7 Surface Water Bodies and River Basin Districts in the Southern Region ¯
Legend
Waste Management Region Overall Water Body Status High Good Moderate Poor Bad Not Classified
Water Status: EPA 2011. Status shown for river, lake, transitional and coastal water bodies.
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1025F01
Figure 5.8 Surface Water Status in the Southern Region [Southern Region]
5.2.5 Air Quality & Climatic Factors
The emissions to atmosphere arising from waste management are mainly from three main sources as follows:
Direct process emissions from the controlled degradation of waste such as methane generation from landfilling and anaerobic digestion. Direct combustion emissions from the thermal treatment of waste, landfill gas utilisation/flaring or fugitive combustion emissions from illegal burning. Indirect emissions from the transportation of waste by road or ships caused by the burning of fossil fuels in combustion engines.
The relative contribution and extent of the direct and indirect emissions is largely dependent on the nature of the disposal/recovery process and the distance and mode of transport involved. This section looks at the types of waste operations that are currently being operated in the Southern Region and then follows on to discuss baseline air quality and climate change issues in Ireland.
Air quality impacts can be on a local scale or a regional/national scale. Local air quality impacts such as dusts, bio aerosols and odours can have significant health and nuisance impacts in the vicinity of the waste facilities. These local impacts are typically addressed through the consent processes with restrictions imposed by planning and/or EPA regulation. On a regional scale, both direct and indirect emissions from waste operations can generate transboundary gases i.e. oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide [CO2] and methane [CH4]). Given the regional nature of the waste plan this baseline assessment addresses the regional and national scale emissions as local impact are addressed through the planning, EIA and EPA processes.
The extent of impact of each type of waste operation depends on each type of waste disposal/recovery operation and addressed in the following sections.
Landfills: Landfills which accept biodegradable waste generate direct process emissions in the form of landfill gas (mostly methane and carbon dioxide) due to the decomposition of the waste. There has been a decline in the number of landfills in the Southern Region with only one active municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill still operating in the region. In addition there are 21 closed landfills in the region. These landfills continue to generate landfill gas and in the case of the MSW landfill will continue to do so for circa 30 years following the closure of the landfill. The gas is principally composed of methane and carbon dioxide but also contains many minor constituents. Both are greenhouse gases but methane has a global warming potential 21 times that of carbon dioxide (over a 100 year average, UNFCC). The operational landfill has installed gas collection and combustion systems to minimise the risk of landfill gas migration and to promote gas utilisation (for energy recovery) or flaring to oxidise methane to carbon dioxide. Many of the closed facilities continue to operate gas to energy plants.
Biological Treatment: Two methods to recycle biowaste are applied in Ireland, composting and anaerobic digestion. Odour, dust, biogas (primarily made up of methane and carbon dioxide, with small amounts of hydrogen sulphide) and bio aerosols are the main emissions from the biological treatment of waste. In the Southern Region there are seven waste facilities that are classified as compositing/anaerobic digestion. Composting presents the potential to generate odours and bio aerosols and highly putrescible materials are usually limited to indoor facilities with controlled atmospheres that eliminate air leaks and that treat odorous air. Anaerobic digestion produces biogas
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 62 [Southern Region] from the decomposition of the organic materials and consists of a mixture of methane (50 75%), carbon dioxide (25 45%) and small amounts of water (2 7%), as well as trace gases such as hydrogen sulphide, oxygen, nitrogen, ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen.
Waste Transfer Stations: Waste transfer stations and materials recovery facilities (both hazardous and non hazardous) do not generate any significant direct process or combustion emissions but may be odoriferous as operations are typically limited to segregation, baling, etc. Like the other waste operations these transfer stations do generate indirect transport emissions. In the Southern Region there are six material recovery facilities and 25 waste transfer stations currently in operation.
Illegal Burning: In 2012, the national estimate of unmanaged household waste was 214,200 tonnes. The waste is potentially disposed of illegally by burning or dumping. Illegal burning of wastes can produce a similar set of emissions to those listed above for thermal treatment. The quantity of pollutants released depends on the composition of the waste being burned, the temperate of the combustion and the supply of oxygen. The EPA has reported that one of the main sources of dioxin emissions in the Irish environment originate from the uncontrolled burning of domestic waste.
Thermal Treatment: The Southern Region does not currently have this technology in active operation and there are no planned operations with the relevant consents granted. If such a facility was developed, the principal emissions would be direct combustion emissions of the pollutants listed in Chapter IV of the Industrial Emissions Directive (Directive 2010/75/EU) i.e. particulates
(PM10 and PM2.5), dioxins and furans, hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen fluoride (HF), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total organic carbon and carbon monoxide (CO). The main greenhouse gases (GHGs) with the potential to contribute to climate change from this type of waste processing are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
5.2.5.1 Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector, primarily methane gas released from landfills and urban wastewater treatment plants, amounted to 1.02Mt CO2 equivalent in 2012, showing a 2.7% decrease on 2011 [according to “Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2012” (EPA, 2014)]. The waste sector only attributes to 1.8% of Irelands 2012 total greenhouse gas inventory. Landfill gas utilisation and on site flaring was measured as off setting 68% of total methane production in 2012.
Indirect emissions associated with the transport of waste can also contribute to GHG emissions. It should be noted that the transport sector was the third largest contributor to overall GHG emissions at 18.8%. However, this transport sector encompasses all transport in Ireland and waste transport is not specifically defined.
The EU Commission’s proposal following the end of the Kyoto reporting phase in 2012, requires Ireland to deliver a 20% reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases relative to the 1990 levels by 2020. In order to determine the distance to target in achieving compliance with this reduction the EPA have carried out sector based projections for greenhouse gases as published in “Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections 2012 2030” (EPA, 2014).
The EPA have projected that once the Landfill Directive targets (Directive 1999/31/EC) for the diversion of biodegradable waste from landfill are achieved, the total waste sector GHG emissions will decrease by 25% in 2020. Under this scenario it is projected that recycling of waste materials
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 63 [Southern Region] increases by 1% per year and assumes a continued requirement for landfill as the disposal option for residual waste. This scenario projection includes the impact of measures such as the guidance published by the EPA for EPA landfill licence holders in relation to biodegradable waste diversion obligations, increases in the landfill levy and the successful introduction of the Food Waste Regulations for commercial operations (2009) and households (2013) which require the source separation and collection of food waste for recycling.
In addition, the EPA has projected a second scenario whereby the operation of a second waste to energy facility will reduce the contribution of landfill as a disposal option for residual waste. With this additional measure it is projected that recycling of waste materials increases by 1% per year and total waste sector GHG emissions decrease by 31% as a result of increased diversion of residual waste from landfill to waste to energy incineration progressively from 2017 onwards. Under both scenarios, it is also assumed that methane capture increases from the 2012 level of 68% of methane generated to 75% in 2020.
5.2.5.2 Trans boundary Gases
Under Article 4 of the National Emissions Ceiling Directive [2001/81/EC], Ireland is required to limit the annual national emissions of SO2, NOx, VOCs and NH3 to amounts not greater than the emissions ceilings laid down in Annex 1 of the Directive, by the year 2010 at the latest, and each year after 2010. Of relevance for the waste industry are NOx and VOCs as these emissions are released both directly from certain waste operations and also indirectly from the transport of waste.
Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to acidification of soils and surface waters, tropospheric ozone formation and nitrogen saturation in terrestrial ecosystems. Power generation plants and road traffic are the principal sources of nitrogen oxides in Ireland. Direct combustion emissions from waste to energy plants and to a lesser degree from landfill flares/engines and illegal burning would generate NOx and these emissions are reported annually to the EPA through the PRTR reporting system. For 2012, the EPA reported that national annual NOx emissions were 71.2 kilotonnes compared to the national emissions ceiling of 65 kilotonnes reflecting the ongoing challenge Ireland faces in complying with the ceiling for NOx.
The main sources of VOC emissions in Ireland are solvent use and transport. These sources produce almost 86% of the national total in 2012 but Ireland is currently well below the emissions ceiling for this pollutant. As with NOx, some waste operations such as landfill and waste to energy plants will generate low levels of direct VOCs which are reported annually to the EPA. All waste operations will also generate indirect VOCs through the transport of waste to recovery/disposal facilities.
5.2.5.3 Indirect Emissions
Transport of waste in the Southern Region is mainly by large heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that collect the waste i.e. kerbside collection and the subsequent transport to a recovery or disposal facility. Similarly, for trans frontier waste shipments from the region, there are additional transport emissions from shipping or additional road haulage. The extent of the emissions depends on the distance travelled, the fuel used for transport and the size of the shipment. These road and shipping movements generate emissions of air pollutants (NOx and VOCs) and greenhouse gas (CO2) which impact on air quality and climate.
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 64 [Southern Region]
Transport in general accounts for 18.8% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is of principal concern requiring action to meet 2020 GHG emissions obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. This mainly consists of road transport but there is no detail available on the contribution of waste transport to this sector. Traffic GHG emissions are projected to show strong growth over the period to 2020 with a 15 23% increase on current levels depending on the level of policy implementation. This is attributed to forecasted increases in petrol and diesel use for road transport.
Shipping emissions are circa 3% of global GHG emissions but are growing rapidly in line with growing marine transport volumes. Shipping emissions are not currently accounted for in Ireland’s national emissions inventory.
The principal air pollutants of concern from road and marine transport are oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. The transport sector in Ireland (again mainly consists of road transport) is the principal source of NOx emissions in 2012, contributing approximately 51% of annual emissions. As above, there is no detail available on the contribution of waste transport to this emission total.
5.2.5.4 Existing Environmental Pressures/ Problems: Climatic Factors and Air
In general ambient air quality in Ireland is good due largely to the prevailing clean westerly air flow from the Atlantic and the relative absence of large cities and heavy industry. The EU Commission’s proposal requires Ireland to deliver a 20% reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases relative to the 1990 levels by 2020. Despite the current economic downturn leading to a marked reduction in Ireland’s GHG emissions this 20% reduction on 1990 levels will be difficult to achieve. An integrated approach across a range of sectors, including waste, is required to meet Ireland’s EU and International obligations to reduce GHG emissions and to improve air quality.
The latest data from the EPA indicate that emissions of GHGs in Ireland in 2012 were 57.92Mt CO2 equivalent which represents an increase of 1.0% on emissions in 2011. The waste sector is the smallest contributor to the overall emissions and presently contributes 1.8% of GHGs and has seen a 2.7% decrease in its emissions from 2011. This relates mainly to the reduction in methane emitted from landfills of which there has been an 11.7% reduction in 2012.
Under the CAFE Directive, Ireland is required to reduce levels of PM2.5 by 10% between 2012 and 2020. PM2.5 is fine particulate matter and can be emitted directly into the atmosphere or can be formed secondarily. This reduction will be challenging as it will require an integrated approach across a number of sectors including industrial, transport and residential emissions. The test in meeting Ireland’s obligations under the National Emissions Ceiling Directive is greater, in particular for oxides of nitrogen. Transport emissions are the greatest source of oxides of nitrogen and the measures proposed in the National Programme on Transboundary Pollutants will seek to reduce these emissions to below the ceiling limit by 2010 and each year thereafter. Depending on the type of waste management facility there can be localised air quality issues. Complaints at EPA licenced waste facilities identified that the majority, 90%, relate to landfill odour, while air quality issues only relate to 2%. In relation to the 10 most complained about waste facilities 80% of the complaints are related to landfills with the vast majority due to odour (Focus on Environmental Enforcement in Ireland, EPA 2014).
5.2.6 Material Assets
The term ‘Material Assets’ is not clearly defined in the SEA Directive or indeed the EIA Directive, and this has led to a wide range of interpretations by environmental practitioners and environmental regulators alike. Material assets primarily relate to the infrastructural assets that enable a
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 65 [Southern Region] settlement to function as a place to live and work and can be taken to be infrastructure including settlements (towns and villages etc.), transport and utilities (including waste facilities).
For the purposes of this SEA, consideration of material assets has focussed on the following principle areas: Existing waste infrastructure in the region; Existing transport network including ports; Energy and alternative fuels derived from waste; and Waste as a resource.
It is acknowledged that natural resources such as minerals also have material assets value and are covered in previous sections of Chapter 5 as indicated below.
Population and settlements (Section 5.2.2); Aggregates and minerals (Section 5.2.3); and Drinking water supplies (Section 5.2.3).
5.2.6.1 Existing Waste Infrastructure
Pre treatment and recovery facilities can be authorised either by the EPA or the local authorities, and the facilities with the larger handling capacity hold an EPA waste licence. The Southern Region has 69 licenced EPA infrastructure facilities and 376 local authority facilities in place which are outlined in Table 5 17 and Figure 5 9 to Figure 5 13. The spatial distribution shows that these facilities are well distributed around the region with a higher concentration around key towns and the city of Cork.
Table 5 17 – Waste Facilities in the Southern Region
Waste Facility Type No. of Facilities Civic Amenity Sites 1 Composting/ Anaerobic Digestion 7 Materials Recovery Facility 6 Integrated Waste Management Facility 3 Hazardous Waste Facility 4 Waste Transfer Station 25 Sludge Treatment Facility 1 Active Municipal Solid Waste Landfill 1 Closed Landfill 21 Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities 376
Licensed Waste Facilities include sites which are subject to Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPC) or Waste Management licenced activity. These licenses are typically granted by the EPA under the EPA Act 1992, (as amended) and the Waste Management Act 1996.
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 66 [Southern Region]
There is only 1 active municipal solid waste landfill in the Southern Region and 21 that are closed. One of the main principles of waste policy over recent years has been to significantly reduce the reliance on landfill as a disposal method for waste. The EU Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) has set challenging targets for Ireland with regard to the diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill. This has seen significant increases in the landfill levy which have driven recycling and diversion of waste from landfill. The number of operational landfills in the Southern Region has continuously declined over the years, mainly due to the changing national waste infrastructure and government policy on the elimination of landfill for waste disposal.
The local authorities in the Region also authorise waste facilities under one or more classes of activity as prescribed by the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations, S.I. No. 821 of 2007. There are 12 classes of authorised activities covered by waste facility permits (WFPs) and 13 classes of authorised activities covered by certificates of registration (CORs). The types of activity covered can be summarised under general groups including: storage and transfer of waste (Group 1); metals and end of life vehicles (Group 2); other waste vehicles (Group 2A); WEEE and batteries (Group 3); land improvement (Group 4); biological (Group 5); organic landspread (Group 6); non hazardous waste and CFCs (Group 7); and temporary storage (Group 8).
A single database of all local authority authorised waste sites did not exist prior to the preparation of the new regional waste plans. During the preparation of the plans, the local authorities spent considerable time developing a baseline of permitted and certificate of registration capacities for the purpose of regional waste management planning. This data has been compiled using information provided by each local authority. Currently there are a total of 376 local authority authorised facilities in the region with a total market authorisation of 3.15 million tonnes.
The data shows that 49% of the authorised capacity in the region is in the functional areas of two local authorities, namely Cork County Council and Limerick City and County Council. Cork County Council has the greatest number of authorised facilities (100) with Carlow County Council holding the smallest number (13).
5.2.6.2 Existing Transport Network
The Southern Region has an extensive road, rail, bus, air and sea transport network. Figure 5 14 provides an overview of this key infrastructure. As outlined in the draft RWMP the road infrastructure consists of a number of major corridors, five motorways and five national primary routes with an extensive network of minor roads. The pattern is mainly dictated by the topography of the region.
The region is served by rail with mainline routes passing through each of the local authority areas. There are intercity train services from Dublin to Limerick, Cork, Tralee, and Waterford directly that serves stations enroute, such as Carlow and Kilkenny on the Dublin Waterford line. The Inter City Network has expanded on the Western Railway Corridor from Limerick railway station through Co. Clare, with new stations at Sixmilebridge, Ennis, Athenry and Galway railway station. The existing Cork – Cobh line is more frequent and there has been the re opening of the Midleton branch and an expansion of services on the Mallow – Cork line. The region is served by four airports, namely Cork, Shannon, Kerry and Waterford Airports. Shannon Airport is one of Ireland’s two international transatlantic airports and the industry which has grown around the airport provides significant employment for both Limerick and Clare. The continued
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 67 [Southern Region] development of Shannon and Cork airports is vital to the development of the region, while Kerry and Waterford Airports are important to provide convenient air transport for the respective surrounding economies. The Southern Region is well served by ports which highlight the long and strong trading links between the southern part of Ireland and our UK and European trading partners. Ports in the region include those listed in Table 5 18 Table 5 18 – List of Ports in the Southern Region
County Ports Cork, Cobh, Ringaskiddy, Tivoli, Kinsale, Castletownherehaven, Cork Youghal Clare Kilrush, Moneypoint Limerick Limerick, Foynes Waterford Waterford, Dungarvan, Dunmore East Wexford Rosslare, New Ross
5.2.6.3 Energy and Alternative Fuels Derived from Waste
While there are continued efforts to recycle and reuse waste, the quantity of residual waste is expected to grow across EU member states as economies recover and begin to see growth. Since 2011, the exporting of Ireland’s residual municipal type waste has scaled up with activity increasing in this market each year. In 2013, approximately 300,000 tonnes of residual municipal waste was exported accounting for approximately 20% of the residual waste market in Ireland. The growth of this market is due to a number of factors, including the landfill levy and competitive gate fee costs for accepting waste overseas. Key destinations are central and northern Europe with the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Denmark to the fore.
The most recent green paper on Energy Policy in Ireland notes the failure to realise the potential of the waste sector to contribute to Ireland’s energy future and to meet renewable energy targets by utilising this indigenous waste for heat and electricity generation and as an alternative fuel source.
There is no municipal waste to energy recovery capacity in the Southern Region. There are also no cement manufacturing plants that co fire solid recovered fuel as a replacement to importing fossil fuels however there is the possibility of switching a plant located in Limerick to alternative fuels in the future. A number of submissions noted that mechanical biological treatment (MBT) can play a role in the treatment of residual waste. In some cases MBT processes can yield SRF and refuse derived fuels (RDF) as well as methane by products which may be utilised for electricity generation. It is also acknowledged that there are other waste pre treatment options which can include autoclaving, gasification and pyrolysis.
There has been a national focus upon the deployment of biomass and biofuels through a range of supports including focus on integrating sustainable energy practices and structures into public policies and the development of infrastructures. A Ministerial Task Force on bio energy produced a ‘Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland’ which set bioenergy deployment targets and identified priority areas for development and support. In October 2014 the draft Bioenergy Plan was published which
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 68 [Southern Region] sets a vision of high level goals to provide a mechanism to inform and coordinate policy and implementation across policy areas allowing sustainable exploitation of Ireland’s bioenergy resources. The content of the brown bin provides a potential energy source opportunity in relation to recovery through composting and generation of electricity from anaerobic digestion.
5.2.6.4 Waste as a Resource
Historically Ireland has followed a make take dispose model of resource consumption where products having reached the end of their life are discarded as waste and are no longer viable. For this to continue and thrive it assumes resources are plentiful and will constantly be available at low cost prices to meet demand. The economic reality is very different. Despite the economic downturn Ireland is one of the highest consumers of raw materials per capita in the EU. A recent report7 funded by the EPA indicates in 2010 Ireland’s consumption was 25.5 tonnes per person compared to an EU average of 16.5 tonnes. Our annual expenditure on materials is estimated to be between €40 €50 billion. Current expenditure on materials is between 6 and 8 times greater than it is on energy while funding for energy efficiency far exceeds that of resource efficiency.
Ireland, in line with EU policy, is now moving towards a more resource efficient model which fundamentally considers waste as a resource which can be recirculated into systems focussing on maintaining, repairing, reusing, refurbishing and recycling materials and products. Being resource efficient and getting more from less resources is central to this model.
Freetrade Ireland is a good example of a free online reuse service which allows its users to pass on unwanted items for free, from beds and furniture to electronic goods and garden equipment. The service is free to use and delivers real financial savings to all its users, as well as being good for the environment. After 4 successful years operating in Dublin, FreeTradeIreland.ie was launched nationally in July 2010. Its aim is to facilitate the reuse of household and business items throughout Ireland and in doing so promoting reuse and waste prevention. Details of items exchanged and reused through the dedicated website are set out in Table 5 19.
Table 5 19 – Freetrade Exchange and Reuse Data
Region Number of Items Reused Diversion (kg) Estimated Savings (€) Southern Region 185 4,035 20,278
Another example of reuse in action is the Community Reuse Network (CRNI) which is an EPA funded project that supports and promotes community based reuse in Ireland. CRNI is an umbrella body representing community based organisations, such as social enterprises that specialise in both direct reuse and preparing for reuse activities while providing training and employment for excluded people. Table 5 20 lists the members of CRNI.
Local authority Environmental Awareness Officers (EAOs) assist and support the CRNI in particular through the availability of paint, mattresses and bicycles from recycling centres for recycling or repair and reuse. Bicycles and paints are recycled by various environmental community organisations for further reuse at community level. Mattresses are broken down into their
7 Roadmap for a national resource efficiency plan for Ireland, EPA, 2014
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 69 [Southern Region] constituent parts which are recycled or sent for recovery; the wood is sold as fuel, metals are recycled and textiles are shredded and used in a number of recovery applications.
Table 5 20 – Members of CRNI Ireland
Community Reuse Network Ireland Bryson Recycling ReCreate Ireland Eco Mattress SMILE Busy Bees Rediscovery Centre ICSA Sunflower Recycling Camara Ireland Revamp 3R FreeTrade Rehab Recycling Voluntary Services Revamp Furniture CCRI Upside Design Lisburn Recycling Project The Upcycle Movement
Progress in the area of environmental awareness is an essential element in changing people’s perception of waste material as a resource. Environmental awareness and support extends across a variety of sectors and includes schools, householders, community groups, businesses and public bodies. Well recognised examples include the Green Schools, Green Business, Green Healthcare and Green Hospitality Programmes. Some specific examples of awareness and support include:
A number of local authorities in the region facilitate furniture redesign and upcycling courses. These courses not only provide practical skills training but also demonstrate the ethos of diverting waste from landfill by redesigning and reusing waste materials. In addition, Boomerang, the mattresses recycling scheme, was established with initial support from Cork City Council, the EPA and also support from Cork County Council.
Coordinating and facilitating re use events at Recycling Centres.
EAOs from a number of local authorities within the region promote resource efficiency in the business and industrial sectors through the www.greenbusiness.ie website. Green Business is a free resource efficiency service for all SMEs in Ireland. Its objective is to deliver substantive resource efficiency improvements and cost savings, through waste prevention and reductions in water and energy consumption.
The local authorities in the Southern Region have engaged with the EPA under the Local Authority Prevention Demonstration/Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPD/LAPN) programmes and 77 prevention projects have been undertaken. These include working with communities’ tourist and event locations such as Thomond Park and the cliffs of Moher.
5.2.6.5 Other Resources
As noted earlier, some material assets issues have been covered elsewhere in the Chapter 5, specifically populations and settlement in Section 5.2.2; aggregates and minerals in Section 5.2.3; and drinking water supplies in Section 5.2.3. This section focusses on other resources not elsewhere covered, specifically the commercial fish stocks and aquaculture.
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 70 [Southern Region]
The waters around Ireland are among the most highly productive and biologically sensitive waters in Europe. The Annual 2013 Review of Fish Stocks by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine outlined that fishing opportunities for the international fleets that operate in the waters around Ireland were estimated to have a landed value of €1.161 billion. Ireland’s share of this fishing opportunity represents 17% of this value. These values do not include the valuable inshore fisheries resource which is an important resource base for coastal communities in Ireland.
Marine and freshwater aquaculture is dependent on a high quality and clean environment to produce safe and sustainable seafood products. According to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) the area covered by aquaculture in Ireland is 0.001% of the sea area and 0.01% of the land area. The areas within Ireland that have higher concentrations of aquaculture includes Donegal, Carlingford Lough, Wexford, Waterford, West Cork, Kerry, Galway and Mayo. The finfish production was valued by BIM in 2012 at nearly €83 million while shellfish was valued at nearly €50 million for the same year (BIM Strategy 2013 2017).
5.2.6.6 Existing Environmental Pressures/ Problems: Material Assets
More waste is being generated in Ireland, leading to more waste being exported to European Member states. The energy generated from Irish waste is not only providing a revenue, which is a further loss to the Irish economy, for these plants but more importantly perhaps provides electricity and heat to businesses and homes elsewhere. Long term reliance on exports and failure to capitalise on the embedded energy in residual waste requires examination, with energy costs and security becoming a high national issue.
[MDR0998Rp0012_F01] 71 Legend ¯ Waste Management Region County / Administrative Area Boundary EPA Waste Facility Type !( Civic Amenity Site (1) N65 !( Sludge Treatment Facility (1) N52 !( Integrated Waste Management Facility (3) !( Hazardous Waste Facility (4) N67 !( !( Materials Recovery Facility (6) M18 !( N85!( !( !( Composting/Anaerobic Digestion (7) !( !( N81 !( Waste Transfer Station (25) N62 M7 N78 !( Landfill Type !( N77 !( Active MSW Landfill (1) N68 N19!( !( !( !( Closed Landfill (21) !( !( N18 !( N80 M11 N75 !( Road Network !( !( Motorway !( M20 N10 !( National Primary Road !( National Secondary Road !( !( !( N69 !( N74 N76 Note: number in brackets denotes the number of !( licensed facilities in the region. !( N30 N21 N11 !( N20 N25 !( M8 N24 !( !( M9 N29!( !( !( N73 !( N23 N86 !( !( !( !( !(!( N72 !( !(!( !( !( !(
N71 !( !( !( N25 !( N22!( !( N8!( !( N40 !(!( !( N28!( !(!( N70
!( !( !( !(
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1028F01
Figure 5.9 EPA Waste Licensed Facilities in the Southern Region Legend ¯ Waste Management Region County / Administrative Area Boundary Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities XY Group 1 - Storage / Transfer of Waste XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XYXYXYXYXY XY Zoomed View of the Cork City Area XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XYXYXYXYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1037F01
Figure 5.10 Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities in the Southern Region (Group 1) XY Legend XY ¯ Waste Management Region County / Administrative Area Boundary XY Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities XY XY Group 2 - Metals / ELVs XY XY Group 2A - Other Waste Vehicles XY XY XY Group 3 - WEEE / Batteries XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXYXY XY XYXY XY XY XYXYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYZoomed View of the Cork City Area XYXY XY XY XYXY XYXYXY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY
XY XY XY
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1038F01
Figure 5.11 Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities in the Southern Region (Groups 2, 2A and 3) ¯
XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XYXY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY Legend XY XY XY XY XY Waste Management Region XY XY XY XY XY XY County / Administrative Area Boundary XY XY XY Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities XYXY XY Group 4 - Land Improvement XY XY Group 5 - Biological
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1039F01
Figure 5.12 Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities in the Southern Region (Groups 4 and 5) ¯
XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY XY XY XYXY XY XY
XYXYXY XYXY XY XY Legend Waste Management Region County / Administrative Area Boundary Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities XY Group 6 - Organic Landspread
XY Group 7 - Non-hazardous / CFCs
XY Group 8 - Temporary Storage
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1040F01
Figure 5.13 Local Authority COR and WFP Facilities in the Southern Region (Groups 6, 7 and 8) ¾Ý ¾Ý¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý¾Ý
¾Ý
¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý
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Legend ¾Ý ¯ Waste Management Region ¾Ý¾Ý County / Administrative Area Boundary ¾Ý !( City / Town N52 Æ` Airport M18 Nenagh ¾Ý Local Ferry Port Ennis N85 !( !( Carlow ¾Ý Commercial Port !( Tullow Templemore N62 !( ¾Ý International Ferry Port !( !( Castlecomer Road Network N68 N19 Bagenalstown M11 Motorway Æ`!( Thurles M9 !( Gorey Limerick N77 N80 !( Kilrush !( !(N75 Kilkenny National Primary Road !( !( ¾Ý M7 National Secondary Road ¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý M20 N10 Rail Network N24 Graiguenamanagh Thomastown Rathkeale Cashel !( Railway !( !( !( Enniscorthy Tipperary !( Disused/Dismantled Rail !( N74 N76 !(N69 Railway Line N30 Listowel N21 N11 Dismantled Railway M8 ¾Ý !( Clonmel Carrick-on-Suir N20 Caher !( !( N25 !( Tralee Wexford ¾Ý !( Mitchelstown N29 N70 !( !(¾Ý ¾Ý N73 ¾Ý Waterford N23 Dingle N86 Æ` Æ` !( Mallow Fermoy ¾Ý ¾Ý !( !( ¾Ý N72 Dungarvan Killarney !( !(
¾Ý !( ¾Ý¾Ý Midleton ¾Ý Macroom Cork N25 N22 !( !( ¾Ý !( N40 N27 ¾Ý Æ` N28 ¾Ý ¾Ý N71 ¾Ý Bantry ¾Ý¾Ý!( ¾Ý ¾Ý¾Ý ¾Ý Clonakilty !(
¾Ý ¾Ý ¾Ý¾Ý ¾Ý
Regional Waste Plans, SEA and AA File Ref: MDR0998Arc1031F01
Figure 5.14 Key Infrastructure within the Southern Region