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Waste Management Plan for the Connaught Region

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSPLAN SUMMARYPART 11. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................1

1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................1

1.2 Regional Approach................................................................................................1

1.3 Overview of the Connaught Region.......................................................................2

1.4 Waste Management Policy....................................................................................2

1.5 Relevant EU and National Legislation...................................................................3

1.6 Waste Management Planning................................................................................3

1.7 Connaught Waste Management Strategy..............................................................4

1.8 Elected Member and Public Consultation/Involvement..........................................4

1.9 Content of the Plan................................................................................................5

1.10 Sources of Data.....................................................................................................5

1.11 Definitions..............................................................................................................5

2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA....................................................................62.1 Introduction............................................................................................................6

2.2 Hydrology..............................................................................................................7

2.3 Geology and Hydrogeology...................................................................................9

2.3.1 Geology......................................................................................................92.3.2 Hydrogeology...........................................................................................10

2.4 Population............................................................................................................11

2.4.1 Rural Population.......................................................................................112.4.2 Urban Population......................................................................................11

2.5 Transport Infrastructure.......................................................................................12

2.5.1 Road Network...........................................................................................122.5.2 Rail Network.............................................................................................142.5.3 Airport.......................................................................................................142.5.4 Ferry Network...........................................................................................15

2.6 Commerce and Industry......................................................................................15

2.6.1 Commerce................................................................................................152.6.2 Manufacturing Industries..........................................................................15

2.7 Tourism................................................................................................................16

2.8 Agricultural Activity, Forestry and Fisheries.........................................................17

2.9 Land Use.............................................................................................................19

PART 23 WASTE GENERATION................................................................................................20

3.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................20

3.2 Quantities of Waste Arising in the Connaught Region.........................................20

3.2.1 Hazardous Component of Waste Arising in the Connaught Region.........213.3 Sources of Information.........................................................................................21

3.4 Waste Composition in the Connaught Region.....................................................22

3.5 Priority Waste Streams........................................................................................22

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3.6 Agricultural Waste................................................................................................23

3.6.1 Animal Slurries.........................................................................................243.6.2 Farm Plastics............................................................................................243.6.3 Spent Mushroom Compost Production.....................................................243.6.4 Agricultural Waste Management..............................................................253.6.5 Waste Import and Export..........................................................................26

3.7 Deficiencies in Waste Statistics...........................................................................26

4. PACKAGING WASTE..................................................................................................274.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................27

4.2 Quantities of Waste Arising in the Connaught Region.........................................27

4.3 Legislative Background........................................................................................27

4.3.1 European Packaging Directive.................................................................274.3.2 Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997...............................28

4.4 Compliance with Packaging Regulations in the Connaught Region....................30

4.5 Public Information................................................................................................30

4.6 Regulatory Officers..............................................................................................31

4.7 Plastic Bags.........................................................................................................31

5. WASTE COLLECTION.................................................................................................325.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................32

5.2 Household Waste................................................................................................32

5.2.1 Collection by Local Authorities.................................................................325.2.2 Collection by Private Operators................................................................33

5.3 Waste Collection Coverage.................................................................................35

5.4 Waste Management on the Islands.....................................................................35

5.5 Commercial and Industrial Waste Collection.......................................................36

5.6 Collection of Recyclables.....................................................................................36

5.6.1 Metal Recycling........................................................................................375.6.2 Glass........................................................................................................375.6.3 Paper and Cardboard...............................................................................385.6.4 Plastics.....................................................................................................395.6.5 Construction and Demolition Waste.........................................................395.6.6 Other Materials Collected for Recycling...................................................395.6.7 Review of Recycling Infrastructure...........................................................40

5.7 Deficiencies in Waste Collection and Recycling Infrastructure............................41

6. WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL......................................................................436.1 Waste Treatment.................................................................................................43

6.2 Waste Disposal....................................................................................................43

6.3 Deficiencies in Waste Treatment and Disposal Arrangements............................45

6.4 Organisational and Financial Arrangements........................................................45

7. WASTE PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION..............................................................477.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................47

7.2 Legislative Requirements....................................................................................47

7.2.1 Waste Management Act, 1996 and Waste Management Planning Regulations, 1997....................................................................................47

7.3 Current Initiatives in Connaught..........................................................................48

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7.3.1 Household Level.......................................................................................487.3.2 Industrial Level.........................................................................................49

7.4 Recommendations for Waste Minimisation in Connaught...................................51

PART 38. ANTICIPATED TRENDS/DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE PLAN PERIOD...................53

8.1 Trends in Waste Management.............................................................................53

8.2 Trends in Population Distribution/Growth............................................................53

8.3 Household Waste Generation..............................................................................54

8.4 Commercial/Industrial Waste Generation............................................................54

8.5 Construction/Demolition Waste Generation.........................................................55

8.6 Other Sectors......................................................................................................56

8.7 Pending Legislation and Policy in Waste Management/ Environmental Issues...56

8.8 Recent Legislation...............................................................................................57

8.8.1 EU Directive on the Landfilling of Waste..................................................578.8.2 EU Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles........................................................57

PART 49. WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY................................................................................58

9.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................58

9.2 Alternative Options Considered...........................................................................58

9.3 Waste Management Policy..................................................................................60

9.3.1 General.....................................................................................................609.3.2 Waste Minimisation Policy........................................................................619.3.3 Waste Collection Policy............................................................................619.3.4 Waste Recycling Policy............................................................................629.3.5 Energy Recovery Facilities.......................................................................629.3.6 Waste Disposal Policy..............................................................................629.3.7 Sludge Management Policy......................................................................639.3.8 Agricultural Wastes..................................................................................639.3.9 Policy on Landfill Aftercare and Remediation...........................................649.3.10 Policy on Hazardous Waste.....................................................................649.3.11 Financial Policy........................................................................................649.3.12 Procurement Policy..................................................................................64

9.4 Siting of Waste Management Facilities................................................................65

9.4.1 Landfills....................................................................................................659.4.2 Transfer Stations/Recycling Centres........................................................659.4.3 Thermal Treatment Facility.......................................................................66

9.5 Outline of Future Waste Management Policy......................................................66

10 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS........................................................................................6910.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................69

10.2 Economic Evaluation...........................................................................................69

10.3 Cost Recovery and Market Creation....................................................................70

10.4 Market Creation...................................................................................................71

PART 511. PROVISION OF SERVICES AND WASTE REGULATION BY THE CONNAUGHT

LOCAL AUTHORITIES.................................................................................................7211.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................72

11.2 Waste Regulation................................................................................................72

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11.3 Obligations and Powers Under the Waste Management Act, 1996.....................74

11.3.1 Local Authorities.......................................................................................7411.3.2 Other public Authorities............................................................................76

11.4 Community/Public Involvement...........................................................................76

11.5 Private Sector Involvement ......................................................................7611.6 Data Collection and Reporting.............................................................................80

11.7 Service Role........................................................................................................81

11.8 Organisational Arrangements..............................................................................81

12 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONNAUGHT WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN............8312.1 Waste Collection System.....................................................................................83

12.2 Materials Recovery and Recycling Facilities........................................................84

12.3 Treatment and Energy Recovery Facilities..........................................................85

12.4 Bulk Transfer System..........................................................................................86

12.5 Residual Disposal Facilities.................................................................................86

12.5.1 Short-Term Landfill Situation....................................................................8612.5.2 Medium to Long-Term Landfill Capacity...................................................87

12.6 Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling (C & D).......................................87

12.7 Waste Stream Calculations.................................................................................88

12.8 Institutional and Organisational Recommendations.............................................89

12.9 Summary of Waste Plan Infrastructure................................................................90

12.10 Implementation of Waste Reduction, Minimisation & Reuse...............................90

12.11 The Proximity Principle........................................................................................91

13. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT..............................................................................................9213.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................92

13.2 Public Response..................................................................................................92

13.3 Presentations to Elected Members......................................................................94

Appendices

Appendix A - List of Relevant EU and National LegislationAppendix B - Sources of InformationAppendix C - Glossary of TermsAppendix D - List of Submission Makers

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Consultants wish to acknowledge the assistance of all involved to date with the Connaught Waste Management Plan.

Information has been gathered from a variety of sources within the region and nationally, and co-operation with the data-collection process is greatly appreciated.

The assistance from all members of the Management and Technical Steering Committees, including County/City Managers, County/City Engineers and Senior Executive Engineers are also acknowledged:-

Mr. H. Kearns Sligo County Manager (Chairman Management Steering Committee)Mr. D. Mahon Mayo County ManagerMr. D. O’Donoghue Galway County ManagerMr. J. Gavin Galway City ManagerMr. E. Sheehy Roscommon County ManagerMr. P. Fahey Leitrim County ManagerMr. J. Beirne Mayo County Engineer (Chairman Technical Steering Committee)Mr. J. Colleran Galway County EngineerMr. T. Kilgarriff Galway City EngineerMr. V. Brennan Roscommon County EngineerMr. F. Gleeson Sligo County EngineerMr. M. McGoey Leitrim County EngineerMr. R. Norton Project Engineer (Mayo County Council)Mr. J. Walsh Steering Group Secretary (Mayo County Council)Mr. L. Gavin Senior Executive Engineer Galway County CouncilMr. M. Joyce Senior Executive Engineer Galway CorporationMr. G. Salter Senior Executive Engineer Sligo County CouncilMr. R. Gillen Senior Executive Engineer Leitrim County CouncilMr. T. Shanahan Senior Executive Engineer Roscommon County Council

Consultants

This study is being carried out by M.C. O’Sullivan & Co. Ltd., Consulting Engineers, in association with COWI, Consulting Engineers & Planners of Copenhagen, Denmark. Mary Murphy & Associates is advising on public consultation elements of the study.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Connaught local authorities which for the purposes of the Waste Management Plan comprise Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon County Councils together with Galway Corporation have prepared a Waste Management Plan for the Region. This Plan has been prepared in accordance with Section 22 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 and the Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997. The Plan has regard to all non-hazardous wastes generated within the functional areas of each of the above local authorities.

The Plan is based on a waste management strategy which was presented to the Connaught local authorities in April/May 1999 the recommendations of which were noted by each of the six local authorities who resolved to prepare a Regional Waste Management Plan for Connaught. The Strategy recommended an integrated approach to waste management involving improved public education, new recycling initiatives, biological and thermal treatment of wastes and finally landfill of residual waste. The Draft Plan will be put on public display for a 2 month period before the Plan can be finalised. The adoption of the Draft Plan is a reserved function of the Elected Members of the six Connaught statutory waste authorities.

The Plan, when adopted supersedes and replaces all previous Waste Plans prepared by the Connaught local authorities under the European Communities (Waste) Regulations, 1979 and where, appropriate the European Communities (Toxic and Dangerous Waste) Regulations, 1982. The minimum period for the duration of the Plan is 5 years after which time it will be reviewed in the light of the prevailing situation at the time.

Waste management is a dynamic process with constantly increasing environmental standards and emerging new technologies. The past five years has seen enormous change in national waste policy and practice. This Waste Management Plan must therefore have flexibility to respond to likely developments over the currency of the Plan.

1.2 REGIONAL APPROACH

Traditionally in Ireland waste management was handled on a local level by individual local authorities. In recent years, with the policy trend away from landfill and towards more innovative solutions to solid waste management, the regional approach is being encouraged. Many of the possible solutions such as recycling, biological treatment, thermal treatment and new standards with regard to the landfill of waste are quite onerous and expensive. Thus significant benefits accrue from the regional approach in terms of economy of scale, particularly in less densely populated rural counties. The Waste Management Policy Statement (Changing Our Ways) published on 1st October, 1998 by the Department of Environment and Local Government highlights the following benefits from adopting a regional approach:-

A viable framework in planning and volume terms for the development of integrated and innovative waste management solutions, facilitating segregation prior to collection and incorporating organic waste treatment, thermal treatment technologies and residual landfill.

A more favourable climate for the creation of beneficial partnership arrangements between local authorities and the private sector.

The European Commission also recognised the importance of regionalisation and through the European Regional Development Fund provided part funding for Regional Strategy Studies.

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1.3 OVERVIEW OF THE CONNAUGHT REGION

The Connaught region (Figure 1.1) occupies a peripheral location on the Atlantic seaboard of Europe and is noted for its scenic beauty and rural landscape. The counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon make up the region which has a population of 433,231 occupying 133,323 households (Census, 1996). The province has an area of 1.77 million hectares or one quarter of the state with only 12% of the population. The administrative centres in the region are Galway City, Castlebar, Sligo, Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon. There are seven inhabited islands off the Galway and Mayo Coasts – Inishmore, Inishmaan, Inisheer, Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island and Inishbiggle.

In terms of road transportation the N17 National Primary route is the main artery serving the province from north to south. In the east–west direction there are three primary routes liking Connaught with the Midlands. The N4 serves Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo, N5 serves Roscommon and Mayo, and the N6 serves Roscommon and Galway. The secondary road network forms a more dense network, linking the main towns and providing important links throughout the region. The area is also reasonably well served by rail with passenger services from Dublin to Sligo, Westport, Ballina and Galway. In a north-south direction the line from Galway to Claremorris is still in use for freight. The inhabited islands are served by a combination of air and sea.

The region has a strong agricultural base with 16% of the workforce engaged in farming. The farm sizes on average are small at 18.6 hectares compared with the national average of 26 hectares. In industry, Small and Medium size enterprises employ the bulk of workers, with a small number of larger companies. One of the principal sectors of industrial employment is the manufacture of medical components resulting from multi-national investment in the region. The electrical/electronic/optical equipment sector is also quite large. Forestry, fishing and fish processing activities are also important in the region.

1.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

Government policy is now directed towards reducing our dependence on landfill and increasing private sector involvement in waste management. There are new waste recycling/diversion - from - landfill targets which can be summarised as follows:-

Diversion of 50% of overall household waste away from landfill

Minimum of 65% reduction in biodegradable waste consigned to landfill

Development of waste recovery facilities employing environmentally beneficial technologies, as an alternative to landfill including the development of composting and other feasible biological treatment facilities capable of treating up to 300,000 tonnes of waste per annum

Recycling of 35% of municipal waste

Recycling of at least 50% of C & D waste within a 5 year period with a progressive increase to at least 85% over 15 years

Rationalisation of waste landfills with programmed and sustained reductions in numbers leading to an integrated network of some 20 state of the art facilities incorporating high standards of environmental protection

80% reduction in methane emissions from landfills

These new national targets are to be achieved over the next 15 years and were published on 1st October, 1998 in a policy document entitled Changing Our Ways and are intended to fulfill our obligations under EU legislation.

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1.5 RELEVANT EU AND NATIONAL LEGISLATION

Waste management in Ireland is now governed by the Waste Management Act, 1996. It is guided by the hierarchical approach originally established in the Framework Directive on Waste (91/151/EEC) as follows:-

Prevention

Materials Recovery (recycling/reuse)

Energy Recovery

Safe Disposal including landfill

The Act consolidates existing law and is an enabling document allowing the Minister of the Environment and Local Government to introduce policies or measures appropriate to developing circumstances or requirements. The Act deals only with qualitative targets. It is being brought into law through a series of regulations.

A list of all relevant EU and national legislation is given in Appendix A of this Plan. This Plan recognises and is intended to satisfy all current legal obligations with respect to waste management in the Connaught Region. It is also based on the best available information at this time.

1.6WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING

All local authorities are required to prepare a Waste Management Plan under Section 22 of the Waste Management Act, 1996. The plan must have regard to the following:-

the prevention, minimisation, collection, recovery and disposal of non-hazardous waste within its functional area and

the matters specified in subsection (8) in relation to hazardous waste so far as they relate to its functional area.

Subsection 8 states that there shall be included in a waste management plan, but separate from the other information contained in the plan, information as regards the implementation of measures consequential on, or incidental to the provisions of the hazardous waste management plan or any recommendations made by the Agency under Section 26 (6).

The format of the Plan and guidelines as to its content are contained in the Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997 and can be summarised as follows:-

A description of the present position regarding the quantities of waste arising from specified sources (household, commerce etc.) and the arising of specific waste types (e.g. glass, electrical, and electronic goods), waste movements, waste collection, waste prevention and minimisation and any deficiencies in the waste management structure or any other matters which inhibit optimum management.

Anticipated developments over the period of the plan.

Waste management policy to include evaluation of policy options, statement of policy, and implementation measures of waste policy over the relevant period.

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The Plan will (as required under Section 22 (11) of the Waste Management Act, 1996) have regard to the provisions of:-

“The development plan or plans and any special amenity area order made under the Act of 1963,

a water quality management plan made under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977and 1990, and

an air quality management plan made under the Air Pollution Act, 1987”

Relevant documents in the Connaught Region are the County and City Development Plans for each local authority area, the Water Quality Management Plan for the Shannon catchment, the River Moy Water Quality Management Plan and the draft Water Quality Management Plan for the Corrib and Mask catchments.

1.7 CONNAUGHT WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

The Waste Management Plan is based on a Waste Management Strategy Study recently completed (Spring 1999) for the Connaught local authorities. The overall objective of this study was to advise on future waste management policy in accordance with up to date Irish and EU legislation. The study also advised on the selection of waste management facilities for the recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste generated within the Connaught Region. The objectives of the study covered technical, environmental, institutional and financial aspects as follows:-

To assess the current situation in the Connaught Region with regard to the quantity and nature of wastes generated in the region.

To recommend an integrated waste strategy for the future management of these wastes in accordance with up to date legislation, emerging environmental policies and technologies.

To recommend financial means of implementing the recommended strategy.

The strategy recommended an integrated approach encompassing public education, new recycling initiatives, biological and thermal treatment of wastes and finally landfill of residuals.

1.8 ELECTED MEMBER AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION/INVOLVEMENT

Public involvement has been ongoing since the commencement of the project. The process to date has involved advertisements, media interviews, Elected Member briefings and the circulation of a Briefing Document to public representatives and interest groups in the region at the commencement of the Strategy Study (Autumn 1998). A total of 207 copies of the Briefing Document were circulated and resulted in 36 submissions received regarding the project. Many of the submissions emphasised the importance of public education particularly in schools. The siting and proper management of landfills was also a particular issue mentioned. The Strategy Study was presented to each Elected Member Body in April/May 1999, and published and placed in public libraries in each local authority area. There was attendant media coverage of each Elected Member meeting. The Draft Plan will now be put on public display for a 2 month period during which time further submissions will be invited from interested parties. The draft Plan will then be finalised based on these submissions for adoption by Elected Members.

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1.9 CONTENT OF THE PLAN

The content of the Waste Management Plan is in accordance with the format required by the Waste Management (Planning) Regulations 1997 as follows:-

Part 1 – Preface to the Waste Management Plan.

Part 2 – Present Position regarding Waste Management.

Part 3 – Anticipated Developments over the Period of the Plan.

Part 4 – Waste Management Policy.

Part 5 – Implementation of Waste Management Policy over the relevant Period.

Part 6 – Matters relating to a Plan generally.

1.10 SOURCES OF DATA

Appendix B outlines the various sources of data collected for the purposes of preparation of this Plan.

The Plan is illustrated as appropriate by maps and is based on the best available information at this time.

1.11 DEFINITIONS

Appendix C outlines a Glossary of Terms used in the preparation of this Waste Management Plan.

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2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The Connaught region is on the Atlantic seaboard of Ireland and is noted for its scenic beauty and rural landscape making it a renowned tourist destination. It is a sparsely populated mountainous countryside speckled with low stone walls and peat bogs. The counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon make up the region which has a population of 433,231 occupying 133,323 households (Census, 1996). The province has an area of 1.77 million hectares or one quarter of the state with only 12% of the population. The principal towns in the region are Galway, Castlebar, Sligo, Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon.

TopographyThe topography is variable combining mountains, lowland plains, rivers and inland lakes. The main relief consists of Maumturk Mts, Partry Mts, Nephin Beg Range and the Ox Mts, which follow alongside a spectacular coastline situated on the Atlantic seaboard. The highest point Mweelrea is 817m OD and is situated just north of Killary Harbour in County Mayo. The other major peaks range between 525m and 810m. Both the Nephin Beg Range and the Partry Mts contain corries, a glacial feature from the Ice Age. Stretching across northern Connaught from west to north east is a drumlin belt that ends in Clew Bay, but due to eustatic movements the drumlins in Clew Bay are now a series of islands. Lough Corrib and Lough Mask divide the mountains on the west from the fertile land of the east. The climate is mild and wet with mean annual rainfall ranging from between 1200mm in the eastern part of the region to 1600mm - 2000mm in the western part of the region. The mountainous areas of the Maumturk, Mweelrea and Partry Mountains can receive an annual rainfall as high as 2500mm.

The higher river valleys have been created by glaciation being typically V-shaped in the higher reaches and moderating to U-shaped at lower elevations. This area was heavily glaciated, even the low-lying portions are stripped of soil and the rock surfaces feature innumerable small lakes and bog patches.

A large proportion of the western region of Connaught is designated Nature Reserves such as Connemara National Park (2,699 ha). The blanket bogs and moorland of Connemara have unusual bog and heathland plants. Connaught has a number of Special Protection Areas such as Galway Bay Inner, Killala Bay, Broadhaven, Inskea Island, Cumeen Strand and Drumcliff Bay. The Western Way, a walker’s attraction runs through Connaught, north to south in a direction from Ballina to Oughterard. Clean beaches, scenic walks and peace and quiet provided by this remote western corner of Ireland attract visitors seeking a unique cultural and social experience.

The Coastline The Connaught coastline varies from mountainous in Counties Galway and Mayo to flatter relief in Counties Sligo and Leitrim. The coastline in Counties Galway and Mayo in particular is highly indented with many peninsulas and small islands. Connaught is an important fishing region due to the extensive coastline comprising of islands, broad bays and narrow fjords. Inland lakes and rivers offer scenic splendour and an opportunity for the keen angular. Table 2.1 below shows the main ports in the region.

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Table 2.1: Ports in the RegionPort CountiesAchill Co MayoKillary Co Mayo

Westport Co MayoBallyglass Co Mayo

Clarinbridge Co. GalwayCleggan/ Clifden Co Galway

Galway Co GalwayKinvara Co Galway

Rossaveal Co. GalwayRoundstone Co. Galway

Tully/ Renvyle Co. GalwaySligo Co Sligo

By far the largest fishing port in Connaught is at Rossaveal, County Galway. Connaught also has a number of other significant harbours including Galway, Westport, Ballina and Sligo. There are also a number of smaller piers serving offshore islands. This coastline has many areas of natural beauty; Natural Heritage Areas and Special Protection areas are also present. The coastline also features a number of European Union designated Blue Flag Beaches, which are considered excellent for recreational use. In 1999 the beaches in Connaught that received a Blue Flag were;

Co. Galway: Kinvarra (Traught), An Spidéal (Trá na Mban), An Cheathru Rua (Trá an Doilin), Cill Mhuirbthigh, Loughrea

Co. Mayo: Carrowmore, Old Head, Bertaw, Clare Island (The Harbour), Mulranny, Achill (Dooega, Doogort, Keem, Keel, Golden Strand), Belmullet (Elly Bay, Mullaghroe) and Killala (Ross).

Co Sligo: Enniscrone, Rosses Point, Mullaghmore.

County Mayo also has three beaches designated under the Bathing Water Directives, Rinroe, Carrowtigue and Belmullet Harbour. There are a number of inhabited islands situated off the coast of Galway and Mayo, the Aran islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer), Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island and Inishbiggle. The Aran islands, lie at the mouth of Galway Bay and are an extension of the Burren Landscape of County Clare comprising bare limestone exposure with many heritage attractions. Off the Mayo coast is Achill Island, here the mountains lie around the coast providing vantage points from which to enjoy the sea and landscapes of natural and wild beauty. Connaught has a number of designated seaside resorts, such as Salthill, Westport, Achill and Enniscrone.

2.2 HYDROLOGY

Connaught has three main catchments, the Moy, Corrib and Shannon. There are also though a number of smaller catchments, e.g., the Suck (Area, 617sq miles), Ballisodare (Area, 251sq miles) and Garvogue (Area, 139sq miles).

The Moy catchment is located in counties Mayo and Sligo with a total area of 2,100 Km2. There are some 278 lakes in the catchment as a whole, with Loughs Conn and Cullen greater than 10km2 in area and a further 22 greater than 10 ha. The River Moy is the most important with a main channel length of 90km. In the early 1980’s a Water Quality Management Plan was created by An Forbás Foirbairt for the Moy Catchment.

Another main catchment in Connaught is the Corrib consisting of three main lakes Loughs Carra, Mask and Corrib which eventually drain into the sea at Galway Bay. The western borders of the Shannon catchment are defined by the Rivers Lung and Suck, which arise from the counties Sligo and Roscommon. The Shannon rises in the Cuilcagh Mountains at an

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elevation of 120m and on leaving this area it winds through the drumlin masses of County Leitrim. This catchment is extensive occupying 17% of the land area of Ireland. In Co. Leitrim the Shannon-Erne Waterway links the Rivers Shannon and Erne creating 750km of cruising waterway.

In the 1960’s the Moy catchment had extensive arterial drainage carried out on it. This was undertaken in order to improve drainage of farmlands in the catchment and to relieve flooding. This drainage scheme resulted in the disappearance of a number of lakes in the southern part of the catchment and the reduction in size of others e.g. Lough Conn.

Biological River Water QualityBiological water quality in Ireland is determined by a Q value developed originally by An Forbartha now the EPA. A database on river water quality is maintained by the EPA compiled from a series of samples taken from each river throughout the country and is regularly updated. The Q rating ranges from 5 to 1; Q value 5 being water of the highest quality. Other parameters such as B.O.D., dissolved oxygen, phosphate levels, and macrophytes are also included in this database. Table 2.2 illustrates the ranking in the ‘Q value’ system.

Table 2.2: EPA Index of Biological Water QualityBiotic Index or ‘Q value’ Community Diversity Water Quality ConditionQ5 High Good SatisfactoryQ4 Slightly Reduced Fair SatisfactoryQ3 Significantly Reduced Doubtful UnsatisfactoryQ2 Low Poor UnsatisfactoryQ1 Very Low Bad Unsatisfactory

Source: EPA (1996 & 1997) “Interim Report on the Biological Survey of River Quality” EPA.

Main Rivers in ConnaughtRiver water quality in Connaught as a whole is good. The water quality of the principal rivers in Connaught is shown below;

River Owenmore: In 1997 the Q value was on average Q4. It was mostly satisfactory but distinctly eutrophic in the middle and lowermost reaches. At three sampling station, numbers 0200, 0250 and 0900 there has been a significant decline in water quality in comparison to 1994 values.River Clare: In 1996 all the stations on the river were between Q values 3 and 4. Much of the river was eutrophic and only two of the stations sampled were satisfactory in condition.Moy River: Water quality between 1995-1997 showed that this river was mainly unpolluted. Near to Ballina there was one site that was classified as slightly polluted.River Suck: Almost 40% of the sites surveyed in 1996 were unsatisfactory. The upper reaches though had Q values of between 4 and 5 except upstream of Lough O’Flynn where the quality was Q3-4. Black River: The Q values were on average Q4 but near Shrule being half way down the river, the values were between 4 and 5. In 1997 improvements have been noted on this river.River Corrib: The Q value here was 4 but it must be noted that this river is lake influenced.Robe River: In June 1993 the upper Robe was satisfactory but from Crossboyne to Hollymount a eutrophic reach was noted primarily due to the impact of effluents from the Claremorris region. The lower section from Rosbeen Bridge to Lough Mask was classified as satisfactory. A major improvement is noted in summertime downstream of Ballinrobe, due to the installation of a new sewage works with a phosphate removal stage.Bunowen River: Both sites here had satisfactory conditions.Erriff River: This river was generally satisfactory, but previously noted overgrazing in the lower catchment of the Erriff and in some of its upper tributaries can be expected to have an impact on water quality.Owenduff River: This river held a classification of Q4, being satisfactory.Owengarve River: Both sites in 1997 were satisfactory and the faunal diversity has increased somewhat at this location.

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2.3 GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

2.3.1 Geology

The Geology of Connaught varies from West to East. In the West the geology is predominantly Caledonian with both igneous and metamorphic rocks. In the Connemara area the rocks range from Silurian and Ordivician to Dalradian in origin while in Galway intrusive Granites predominate. In the East the main origin of the solid geology are the Devonian and Carboniferous in Counties Roscommon and East Galway. Further north in the region the Dalradian, Ox Mountain/Ross’s point Inlier is the main geological feature comprised of granites and schists.

Counties Sligo and Leitrim are dominated by middle and Upper Carboniferous Limestones. These are split by the Ox Mountain/Ross’s Point Inlier which is a much older granitic igneous intrusion with metamorphic schists and gneiss also apparent in the Ross’s Point section of the Inlier. The mountains of this Inlier have been formed predominantly through folding in the Dalradian or possibly the Cambro-Ordivician. The tectonic activity including folding and faulting in this area has produced a series of metamorphic rocks. The Ox Mountains consist of mainly Granodiorite with pockets of schist and granites. Further north just south of Lough Gill the Inlier features more complex metamophised rocks.

The Carboniferous rocks in the north east of the region are predominantly calcareous Lisgorman Shales and Bricklieve Limestones. To the west of Lough Allen there are more Upper Carboniferous formations, such as the Dergvone Shale Formation and Sandstone formations such as the Glenade sandstone formation and Lackagh Sandstone formation. In County Leitrim there are also small pockets of Milestone Grit with coal in places.

As we move south in the region the geology becomes more uniform being predominantly lower or middle carboniferous limestone. County Roscommon is dominated by Shallow Water Limestones with small areas of Devonian Old Red Sandstone.

Further West the geology becomes much more complex. Coastal Mayo is dominated by a series of metamorphic rocks with igneous intrusions. The Erris Complex contains Gneiss’s and Schists with intrusive dykes. Further inland the Dalradian is separated from the Erris Complex by a series of faults. These rocks are again schists that have been metamorphised from marine sedimentary rocks. The area surrounding Ballina is comprised mainly of Carboniferous Sandstones (the Maam and Glencullin River Formations), with some Calcareous Shales to the West of Ballina. The Castlebar River Limestones and sandy Lough Akeel Oolite feature as we move east to Castlebar. While there are small areas of Old Red Sandstone present just east of Beltra Lough.

Co. Galway geology features the Connemara Mountains in the West and merges with the central lowlands to the East. Connemara is comprised of Silurian and Ordivician rock in the North around the Sheefry Hills and Croagh Patrick with a small granitic intrusion just south of Louisburgh. As we move south we encounter the Connemara Inlier, this consists of Dalradian rocks similar to those in County Mayo. The area around Ballyconneely consists of igneous rocks that have been strongly metamorphised to Metagabbro and Gneiss. The area around Galway is predominantly Galway Granite formed during the early Devonian or late Caledonian.

East Galway is similar to the geology of Roscommon comprising mainly of Carboniferous Limestones with small areas of Old Red Sandstone and Mudstone around the areas of Loughrea and Portumna. Figure 2.2 illustrates the bedrock geology for the Connaught Region. This map was constructed using information from the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and Sligo County Council.

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2.3.2 Hydrogeology

Hydrogeology in the Connaught region is dominated by the regionally important limestone aquifers. These aquifers vary in size and quality. The coarser Limestones in the North West of the Region particularly in County Sligo have a considerable yield and capacity as do the Limestones in East County Galway and Roscommon. Further South and West in the Region the water bearing rocks are few the geology being mainly igneous and metamorphic in origin resulting in secondary porosity only.

In County Sligo the Upper Carboniferous Limestone formations are the Regionally Important Aquifers as classified by the EPA. The main Aquifer in the area is the Bricklieve Limestone formation ranging from Tobercurry in the West to Drumkeeran in the East. Other aquifers in County Sligo include the Ballyshannon formation north of Glencar Lough and the Oakport formation on the eastern edge of the Ox Mountains. These aquifers are all classed as regionally important aquifers and are illustrated in Figure 2.3 overleaf. The majority of these regionally important aquifers are Karstified and yields can therefore be variable.

Locally important aquifers in the North of the Region are predominantly Quaternary Sand and Gravels. These are smaller yielding aquifers and in the main are used for private water supplies.

In Leitrim south of Glenfarn there are Lower Carboniferous and Devonian rocks that are water bearing, the Glenade Sandstone formation contains a small aquifer, as does the Mullaghmore Sandstone near Sligo Town.

Poor aquifers in the region are associated with the igneous and metamorphic rocks in the Ox Mountains. The yields in this area are low, flow being mainly through fractures in the upper levels of the rock and would therefore be unavailable in dry periods. The West Coast of the region in Connemara, and Mayo is also considered to be an area of poor aquifers as the predominant geology is igneous and metamorphic in origin providing little porosity and permeability.

However, there are some locally important aquifers along the Western Coast of Mayo and in the Connemara area. These include the Barney and Westport Limestones in Mayo and Sand and Gravel aquifers in the Letterfrack/Kylemore area of Connemara. The Granites in the West of County Galway can give small yields, this is greatest in the fault zone and variable as flow is localised and prone to dry periods.

Further south the main aquifers are situated in the east of the region. In Roscommon and Galway a regionally important Lower Carboniferous Limestone aquifer is present from Oughterard and Moycullen in the West, to Elphin and Athlone in the East. This area is considered to be Karstified resulting in a high flow but variable yields in the aquifers. There is a small pocket of Old Red Sandstone which is a locally important aquifer just north of Ballygar. In the Southeast the Loughrea to Portumna area is predominantly Muddy Limestone and Red Sandstone with poor yields however there may be some privately operated boreholes in the area.

2.3.2.1 Groundwater Usage

The definition of a Groundwater source for water supply has here been considered to include supply from artesian sources and underground rivers.

Groundwater Usage is currently divided into Public and Private Schemes. These are in the main Group schemes with a relatively small number of single owned private wells. The Table below shows the number of schemes in each county of the Region.

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Table 2.3: Groundwater Scheme in the Connaught RegionCounty % of Total Water Supply Public PrivateSligo 15 1 87Leitrim 11 0 158Roscommon 80 16 50Mayo 20 8 69Galway 70 45 384

The Private schemes also include wells serving single premises. There is also the possibility that many private wells in this category have not been recorded.

The proportion of groundwater usage is not reflected in the number of schemes but in the proportion of the total water supply. Currently 80% of the current water supply in Roscommon comes from Groundwater while this figure falls to 11% in County Lietrim. The proportion of gorundwater abstracted is not a function of the number of wells or schemes within the region but of the yield from boreholes. In Roscommon for example while there is a moderate number of schemes the percentage of the total water supply derived from groundwater is relatively high.

Well yields in the region vary from 30,000m3/day to just 4m3/day. The largest well yields being in County Sligo in the Toberpatrick area. It is essential that aquifers do not suffer from overabstraction when pumping rates exceed the recharge rate of the aquifer.

2.4 POPULATION

2.4.1 Rural Population

Certain rural districts have very low population density, making cost-effective waste collection very difficult. Examples of such areas are Leitrim, which has the lowest population density in the country, and areas of west Mayo and Galway. The distribution of housing in such areas is not typically concentrated into villages but is of a dispersed and ribband nature, sometimes with road access not suitable for large vehicles.

The total population of the region minus the populations of Galway and Sligo boroughs was 357,481 people in 1996. Of this only 80,000 or 22% lived in towns of greater than 500 people, meaning that the vast majority (over a quarter of a million people) of the population reside in a markedly rural zone.

2.4.2 Urban Population

The scale of urban population centres is very important in waste management terms; it influences factors such as collection costs, viability of certain waste treatment and the provision for civic amenity facilities. Table 2.4 below sets out the sizes of the urban centres in Connaught.

Galway city is the major population centre in the province, and showed the highest growth rate in Ireland for the period 1991-1996. The development plan for Galway Corporation predicts a continued expansion, and the overall population for the conurbation could surpass 90,000 by the 2001 census. Sligo is the next largest town with a population in the region of 20,000 in 1996.

The other population centres are all less than 10,000 people. Ballina and Castlebar are the next largest towns in the region (population c.8,500) and there are five towns whose population is in the region of 3,000- 6,000 people: Ballinasloe, Tuam, Westport, Roscommon town and Loughrea.

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Table 2.4: Population of Urban Centres in ConnaughtGalway Mayo Sligo Roscommon Leitrim

Population

>10,000 Galway City Sligo City

6,000-10,000 BallinaCastlebar

3,000-6,000 Ballinasloe Westport RoscommonTuam

Loughrea

1,000-3,000 Athenry Claremorris Tubbercurry Boyle Carrick-on-ShannonOranmore Swinford Castlerea Manorhamilton

Gort Ballinrobe Ballaghad'nBallyhaunisCrossmolina

500-1000 7 towns 8 towns 6 towns 2 towns 3 towns

2.5 TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

2.5.1 Road Network

The road infrastructure in Connaught (Figure 2.4) is an extensive network of minor roads punctuated by a number of major corridors. The pattern is dictated by the topography of the country in the western region but further east towards Roscommon the topography becomes less important in defining the road network. The rail network is dominated by north to south and west to east routes that again follow the topography of the land. The road network forms the basis for most transportation and distribution within the country. Management and planning of the national road network is undertaken by the National Roads Authority and the County Councils in the corresponding counties. At present in Galway City there is an ongoing Planning and Transportation Study which could identify the need for additional works such as an extra river crossing or outer bypass of the city.

Connaught forms part of the East/West and the Western Road Corridor. In the East/West Corridor Dublin is joined to Galway and to Sligo by a strategic corridor and Westport is joined to this route by a strategic corridor link. The western road strategic corridor runs from Galway across the region through Claremorris ending in Sligo.

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Table 2.5: A sample of ‘Traffic Counts on the National Roads in 1995’Route Section 1995 AADT % HGVN 4 Sligo/Collooney 12,000-16,000 6-8N 5 Westport/Castlebar 6,000 8N 6 Galway/Oranmore 15,500 8N 15 Bundoran/Sligo 4,500-7,500 6-10N 16 Manorhamilton 2,500 8-10N 17 Claregalway/Galway 11,000 7N 18 Claregalway/ Oranmore 3,000 11N 26 Ballina / Foxford 4,000 9N 59 Ballisodare/Ballina 2,000-2,500 9-11N 59 Oughterard/Galway 5,500 5N 60 Castlerea/ Roscommon 2,500-3,5000 8-12N 61 Tulsk/Roscommon 2,500-4,500 8-13N 63 Mountbellew/Roscommon 2,000-4,000 5-17N 84 Galway/Headford 2,500-4,000 5-9

AADT- Annual Average Daily Traffic, number of vehicles.HGV- Heavy Goods Vehicles.

The table above gives a brief selection of the number of vehicles travelling in the Connaught region. Many of the routes above are entering a large town or city so consequently there is a heavy volume of traffic on these roads. Due to these heavy volumes of traffic there is ongoing improvements being carried out on many of these roads as the table below identifies.

The National Roads Authority recently published its strategy for expansion and improvement over the coming years National Road Needs Study. To cater for the predicted increase in traffic major upgrades have been planned, see the following small sample.

Table 2.6: Major Road Improvement PlannedN 4 Construction of the Sligo Relief Road to dual carriageway standardN 5 Construction of the Charlestown Bypass to a two lane standardN 6 Construction of the Craughwell Bypass to a reduced dual carriagewayN 15 Construction of a wide 2 lane road from Bundoran to SligoN 16 Construction of the Manorhamilton Bypass to a two lane standardN 18 Construction of Claregalway to Oranmore two lane standardN 26 Construction of a two lane standard from Ballina to Foxford

National Primary RoutesThe national primary roads offer the highest level of road link in terms of capacity and road quality. The N17 which links Galway to Sligo is the principal artery running centrally down the region. This is a high quality route with single carriageway and hardshoulder for most of its length. Connaught Regional Airport at Knock is situated near the crossing of the N17 and the N5 at Charlestown.

In the East-West direction there are three primary routes linking Connaught to the Midlands and East: the N4 serving Sligo, the N5 serving Castlebar (these roads converge at Longford) and the N6 serving Galway. These routes are predominately single carriageway (with and without hard shoulder) with certain sections of dual carriageway. The N15 and N16 link Sligo with Donegal and Fermanagh respectively. From Galway the N18 provides the link with County Clare and Shannon Airport. Towards the Midlands most traffic to or from Connaught passes through either Longford or Athlone.

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National Secondary Routes The secondary road network follows a denser regional pattern, linking the main Connaught towns and providing tourism routes in the region. The standards of secondary routes vary but they are predominately single carriageway without hard shoulder. There are certain towns which act as nuclei for these roads (Castlebar, Tuam and Roscommon town for example) where secondary and regional roads converge radically. Certain secondary routes are quite important in the region, since they fill in the gaps left by the primary road network. Examples are the N61 through Sligo/Leitrim to Roscommon/Athlone, and the N63 from Roscommon to Galway and the N84 from Mayo to Galway. The N59 follows close to the coast of Connaught all the way from Sligo, through Ballina, Newport, Clifden to Galway.

Regional and County RoadsAlthough not as heavily trafficked as the National routes, the regional roads in Connaught carry all local and tourist traffic. The high density of public roadways is a result of the small holding size and very high population of former years. The roads tend to lead into the local secondary or primary road hub in a radial manner. The regional roads generally follow the local topography, e.g. roads through the major valleys. For example the R344 passes between the Twelve Pins and Maumturk Mts, with the R336 running parallel in the valley to the east. The R341 from Clifden travels south along the flat coastal plain meeting the R342, R340 and R336 winding its way along the coast of Galway Bay into the city of Galway. This also occurs in the north of Connaught where the main proportion of the regional roads link an island (Achill Island) R319, the peninsulas e.g. R313 and the coastline, e.g. R314 and R297. Towards the centre of Connaught the roads form a more radial pattern with the topography becoming less important. The R293 is an important north-south route starting south of Sligo and travelling through Ballymote, Ballaghadereen and Ballyhaunis. Many of the dwellings in Connaught are situated on these regional roads which tend to be narrow in isolated areas.

2.5.2 Rail Network

The rail network offers the potential for waste transfer within the region, and also connects well with regions surrounding Connaught. There are three principal arteries servicing the region: a line from Sligo to Dublin via Longford and Mullingar; lines from Westport/Castlebar and Ballina which join at Manulla Junction and link with Athlone and Dublin, and a line from Galway city to Athenry and Athlone. In a north-south direction, the line from Athenry to Claremorris is still in use, although not for passenger services. Although closed at present, the rail line between Colooney and Claremorris is largely still in place, and could potentially be re-opened given significant investment for remedial works. Without this link, rail transfer from Sligo to the rest of Connaught would have to be via Mullingar. The North-South link from Athenry to Gort and Ennis and Limerick is open but not in ideal condition.

The existing passenger services terminate in Sligo, Westport, Ballina and Galway. The principal types of freight transported using rail in the region at present are timber logs (loaded at Galway, Ballina and Westport), beer (transported from Dublin) and fertiliser and cement.

2.5.3 Airport

Connaught has four airports that parallel the pattern of the National Primary Road and rail lines. They are at Sligo in the north near the N4 and the Dublin to Sligo line, to the west at Horan International Airport, County Mayo near to the N5 and the Dublin to Westport line, to the south-west at Carnmore east of Galway city and close to the N6 and the Dublin to Galway rail line and further west of Galway City at Inveran is an airport that services the Aran islands. It is situated near the R336 being the coast road into the City of Galway. Horan International Airport between Charlestown and Knock was established to give the North-West an airport capable of handling large aircraft which would be of use to the severely isolated North-East corner of Connaught, particularly providing a regional link to Britain and Europe.

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2.5.4 Ferry Network

The island communities off the Connaught coast depend on ferries only for transportation with the exception of the Aran Islands which are served by Aer Arann from Connemara Airport at Inverin. The principal ferries services are as follows:-

Aran Islands: services to/from Rossaveal, Galway City and Doolin (to/from Inisheer only) Inishbofin: ferry service to/from Cleggan, Co. Galway. Clare Island: ferry service to/from Roonagh Quay, Co. Mayo.

2.6 COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

2.6.1 Commerce

The Central Statistics Office figures for employment in various sectors of the economy are presented on a regional basis. The chart below shows the relative breakdown of employment in this area, for figures supplied in 1997. In total there are 111,195 people at work in the Connaught Region. The industrial locations are shown in Figure 2.5.

2.6.2 Manufacturing Industries

Further information on the distribution of employment within the manufacturing industries in Connaught was compiled from a survey carried out for the waste management strategy study in 1998/99. The references of companies used were the IDA List of Manufacturing Companies, the Forbairt Directory of Manufacturing Industries and the Roscommon County Enterprise Board’s Directory of Industrial Enterprises. These directories list all industrial companies in the study area and classify employment into various sizes, (1-10, 11-50, 51-200 and >200 employees). Where the actual no. of employees was not known, a mid-interval value was used. The chart above shows the estimated number of employees in the principal industrial classes in Connaught. These sectors correspond to the NACE classification system

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for industry, which conforms with the EPA National Waste Database shown in Table 2.7 below.

The principal sector of industrial employment is the manufacture of medical components. This is a result of multi-national investment in Connaught. Electrical, electronic and optical equipment production is also a high employer in the region. Traditional sectors of industry of metal fabrication and of food production are also maintaining a high number of employees. There are certain areas within the region where one industry type is concentrated, for example in Sligo there are many precision engineering and moulding firms, in North Roscommon there are several agri-food factories, in Galway city the electronic and software industry is to the fore. The sector “Others” comprises of companies involved in miscellaneous company types including stonework, crafts, mining/quarrying and manufacturing not classified elsewhere.

Table 2.7: Number of Employees per NACE sector in the Connaught RegionSector Description Waste per

Employee (tonnes/annum)

DA Manufacture of Food Products; Beverages & Tobacco 3,963DB Manufacture of Textiles & Textile Products 1,089DC Manufacture of Leather & Leather Products 353DD Manufacture of Wood & Wood Products 1,874DE Manufacture of Pulp, Paper & Paper Products; Printing & Publishing 619DG Manufacture of Chemicals, Chemical Products & Man-Made Fibres 1,162DH Manufacture of Rubber & Plastic Products 1,564DJ Manufacture of Basic Metals & Fabricated Metal Products 3,596DK Manufacturing of Machinery & Equipment n.e.c.1 1,881DL Manufacturing of Electrical and Optical Equipment 4,959DM Manufacture of Transport Equipment 602DN Manufacturing (not elsewhere classified) 456DY2 Manufacturing of Medical Devices & Equipment 7945DZ2 Production of Computer Software 2,022

2.7TOURISM

The West of Ireland is well endowed in terms of the quality of its landscape, its physical, cultural heritage and recreational resources making it a prime tourist destination. Tourism is a major source of income for this region playing an important role in the national economy. In 1998 overseas visitors generated in the region of £172m worth of business in Galway alone. Due to the lack of industrialisation in the west there is a heavy reliance on tourism and its potential for sustainable growth.

The west holds the image of a rural sparsely populated land with low stone walls and peat bogs. Yet it also encompasses Galway a fast growing University town that contains natural and historical features that attracted in 1998 over 877,000 tourists. The natural scenery of Connaught is spectacular and is the natural foundation of its tourism. The lakes, rivers, mountains, woodlands and coastline offer a wide range of amenity and recreational pursuits.

Angling is a popular activity in Connaught with County Mayo offering sea angling, game angling and some coarse fishing. Mayo is dominated by four main lakes Loughs Conn, Cullin, Carra and Mask, all being producers of quality wild brown trout. There are numerous smaller lakes offering a wide variety of trout fishing, these range from small mountain lakes to popular stocked lakes managed by the Fisheries Boards or local angling clubs. The River Moy, which flows through Foxford and Ballina is a popular destination for salmon anglers. Over the past five years the river has produced an annual average of 7,508 salmon to the rod. There is a number of deep sea angling centres e.g. Killala, Achill and Westport. Annually there are sea angling competitions and during 1997 up to 34 species of fish were recorded. County Mayo

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with its lengthy coastline is an ideal place for sea angling and Clew Bay makes this experience very pleasant as the islands offer shelter from the winds. Achill Island is a delight to anglers as it offers shark fishing.

Roscommon also has a number of game angling centres on Loughs Ree, Gara and O’Flynn, and coarse and pike angling centres, on the River Shannon and in the Lung Valley to name but a few. County Leitrim has the advantage that it has the earliest salmon season in Europe. There are a wide variety of coarse and game fish such as pike, bream, roach, sea trout, brown trout and wild salmon. County Galway contains Lough Corrib, which has a large number of centres for game, coarse and pike angling. Some of which are at the following places, Galway, Spiddal, Headford, Ballinasloe, Ballygar and Portumna. Deep sea angling is also popular due to the expansive coastline and there are centres at Clifden, Roundstone, Spiddal and Cleggan. The Aran Islands and Inishbofin both offer shore angling as does many of the islands off Mayo’s coastline such as Clare and Achill Island.

Galway City, Clifden, Westport and Sligo are popular bases for exploring the region. Nature lovers are attracted to the wilds of Counties Galway, Mayo and Sligo while the lakes of County Roscommon are popular with anglers. Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim is a lively boating resort providing a main centre of activity. The Aran islands together with Achill, Clare and Inishbofin, situated off the coastlines of Counties Galway and Mayo respectively appeal to nature enthusiasts. The Aran Islands alone attract 200,000 visitors each year.

The region contains a considerable number of castles and abbeys, including Kylemore Abbey in County Galway. This lakeside castle is a romantic gothic revival that attracted 189,716 visitors in 1996. It became an Abbey after World War 1 when Benedictine nuns sought refuge there. Ballintubber Abbey in County Mayo also has a high attendance recording 30,000 visitors in 1996 of which 40% were from overseas. Parke’s Castle in County Leitrim dominates the eastern end of Lough Gill. The Office of Public Works using 17th century building methods and Irish Oak has restored it. Drumcliff Churchyard is the burial place of the poet W.B. Yeats in County Sligo who has also made the Lake Isle of Inishfree famous on the Sligo side of Lough Gill.

The main National Park in Connaught is Connemara National Park being over 2,000ha in area. This is a wild landscape region west of Galway encompassing bogs, mountains and a rugged coastline. It is a popular place to visit and in 1996 75,000 people visited the area. There are a number of magnificent beaches dotted along the Connaught’s coastline, some of which have the Blue Flag award; Rosses Point, Achill and Mulranny being just a small selection. County Mayo contains over 13% of the most scenic coastline and over 15% of the sandy beaches in Ireland.

Summer time is the main season for festivals: the Galway Races in July, traditional sailing ship races off Kinvara by Galway hookers in August (Cruinniú na mBád) and September is the Galway Oyster Festival all of which generate a large source of income for the region. The principal tourist attractions are illustrated in Figure 2.6.

2.8AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

Connaught is a strong agricultural region, with the largest sector of the workforce in the west (at 16%) directly employed on the land. This figure does not take into account jobs in the downstream processing of agricultural produce (for example meat, milk etc.) or people who farm as a secondary occupation. The average holding size in Connaught is 18.6 hectares (46 acres) which is lower than the national average of 26 hectares (64 acres). Wastes from agriculture consist mainly of manure and surface run-offs and such activities need to be monitored closely to avoid the threat of pollution to surface and groundwater.

The breeding of livestock in Connaught is widespread particularly sheep and beef cattle, while pig and poultry production units are less widespread than in Munster or the border counties.

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Tillage is carried out only in isolated pockets of the region. The agricultural area used for crops and pastures is proportionately high, particularly in Galway and Roscommon.

ForestryApproximately 6.4% of the land in Connaught is under forestry and the state-sponsored body Coillte owns the vast majority of this 113,200 hectares. The forested areas lie mainly on mountain slopes or in the river valleys and are mostly comprised of coniferous plantations.

FisheriesThe main ports in the region in terms of annual catch figures are set out in the Table below:

Table 2.8: Annual Catch Landed at Major Ports in the RegionLanded Weight in 1996

Port Tonnes Wetfish Tonnes Shellfish Total all fish

Achill 1217 282 1499Killary 17 709 725Westport 30 802 832

Ballyglass 163 155 318Clarinbridge 0 205 205Cleggan/ Clifden 13 214 227

Galway 111 239 350Kinvara 0 247 247Rossaveal 5758 724 6482

Roundstone 20 82 102Tully/ Renvyle 15 11 26Sligo 0 214 102

Total 7344 3884 11115

The Connaught catch equated to 2.5 % of the national wetfish catch and 9.5% of the shellfish catch in 1996.

The farming of trout and salmon is very strong in Connaught, and is centered on Connemara and some parts of County Mayo. There are both on-land hatcheries and trout farms and off-shore farms for salmon.

Fish ProcessingAccording to Bord Iascaigh Mhara, there are 23 fish processors in the region. Fourteen of these are in Galway, eight in Mayo and one in county Sligo.

Trends in Agricultural Activity

Current trends in Agriculture reflect the general downturn in rural economies as the country as a whole becomes more developed industrially.

Both cattle and sheep numbers are expected to decline in coming years and farm size is increasing due to the exodus from farming and the EU Farm Retirement Scheme. Tillage crops are also not increasing because of the EU Arable Aid system which caps the amount of tillage land. The Connaught Region contains only a very small acerage of tillage crops which continues to decline.The number of farmers converting to organic produce has grown four-fold over the past 8 years, due in part to EU incentives and consumer driven demand. The amount of land in the

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country as a whole devoted to organic farming is now 1000,000 acres, about 1% of National farmland.

New crops and animal husbandry have experienced a slight increase in the country as a whole, Connaught as a region supports more traditional farming produce.

2.9LAND USE

Farming is the principal occupation in the Connaught region with pasture and tillage being the main land uses. The majority of land is zoned for agricultural use with only the cities and towns having other land use designations. Due to the scenic nature of the region much of the land is designated as natural heritage areas. These are shown in Figure 2.7. Other land use designations related to environmental protection which must be considered when siting future waste management facilities are listed below.

Special Areas of Conservation Special Protection Areas Statuary Nature Reserves National Parks Refuges for Fauna Wildfowl Sanctuaries Ramsar Sites Biogenetic Reserve UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Salmonid Water Sensitive Areas for Urban Wastewater Sensitive Areas for Fisheries and Forestry Areas of Special Control in County Development Plans Special Amenity Order Tree Preservation Order World Heritage Site Designated Areas under REPS

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3 WASTE GENERATION

3.1INTRODUCTION

The terminology and definitions used in this Plan are taken from the Waste Management Act 1996. (See Appendix C for definitions of more widely used terms). Thus, waste is any substance “to be discarded” and “hazardous waste” means any of the wastes specifically listed on the European Hazardous Waste List (94/904/EC) or so listed in the EPA Waste Catalogue. The term “toxic and dangerous wastes” no longer applies. The Waste Management (Planning) Regulations 1997 state that a waste plan must specify the quantities of waste arising within the functional area classified under the following descriptions, in so far as applicable:

Household waste collected by or on behalf of the local authority. Household waste delivered to civic waste facilities and other bring facilities. Other household waste. Litter and street sweepings. Commercial waste. Industrial waste not elsewhere specified. Construction and demolition waste. Contaminated soils. Ash and other incineration residues. Mining and quarry waste. Healthcare Waste (clinical, dental, veterinary). Sewage sludges. Waste treatment sludges. Industrial sludges. Agricultural sludges

3.2QUANTITIES OF WASTE ARISING IN THE CONNAUGHT REGION

Waste QuantitiesThe present non-agricultural waste generation in the Connaught region is 596,054 tonnes of municipal and industrial (incl. mining/quarrying) waste per annum (Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1 overleaf). In addition it is estimated that there are 6,219,679 tonnes of agricultural waste arising in Connaught from animals, mushroom compost and farm plastics.

Priority wastes which are wastes designated as such by the European Union are not included in the above table. These wastes – which include tyres, end of life vehicles, electrical equipment waste, packaging waste, batteries and accumulator’s, PCB’s and waste oils are considered in Section 3.5.

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Table 3.1: Quantities of Non-Agricultural Waste Arisings in Connaught RegionWaste Type Amount in tonnes per yearHousehold Collected 133,115Household Delivered (bulky) 4,606Other Household 11,395Commercial 53,162Industrial Sludges 4,070Industrial 116,993Construction / Demolition Waste 201,510Ash/Incineration Residue 0Contaminated Soil 0Litter/Street Sweepings 8,345Water Treatment Sludge 1,263Wastewater Treatment 13,540Mining & Quarrying 46,672Healthcare 1,384Subtotal 596,055Agricultural 6,219,679Total 6,815,734

Source: Landfill Surveys 1998, National Waste Database 1995, Questionnaire Surveys 1998

3.2.1 Hazardous Component of Waste Arising in the Connaught Region

Table 3.2 shows for all the waste categories described above the amount of each which is a hazardous waste.

Table 3.2: Hazardous Components of Waste arising in the Connaught Region Waste Type Total for the Connaught Region (tonnes per annum)Household Delivered 1022.23Household Delivered (bulky) 0.00Other household 0.00Commercial 3967.53Industrial 25869.13Construction and Demolition Waste 360.88Ash/Incineration Residue 0.00Contaminated Soil 0.00Litter/Street Sweepings 0.00Water Treatment Sludge* 0.00Wastewater Treatment * 0.00Mining & Quarrying 1.52Healthcare 0.00Sub Total 31221.29Agricultural 4058.77Total 35280.06

*Tonnes of Dry Solids

3.3SOURCES OF INFORMATION

The figures used in this Plan were extrapolated from the recently published Proposed Hazardous Waste Management Plan (EPA) 1999 and from figures in the recently published Connaught Waste Management Strategy.

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3.4WASTE COMPOSITION IN THE CONNAUGHT REGION

Household waste composition is fairly well established from the EPA Waste Database Report (1996) and studies carried out by Dublin Corporation. This information is relevant for planning waste recycling and recovery initiatives. The data shown in Table 3.3 reflects the composition of waste produced in Connaught as a Region. The composition may vary from County to County but is essential that the waste produced be regarded as a whole when formulating a Management Plan.

Table 3.3: Household Waste in the Connaught RegionWaste Type Urban (tonnes/annum) Rural (tonnes /annum)

Paper 3806.39 12425.54Cardboard 1470.46 4800.16Organics 10095.02 32954.11Glass 1689.40 5514.86Plastics 3447.25 11253.19Metals 1030.82 3365.01Textiles 385.22 1257.52Combustibles 1919.92 6267.36Non Combustibles 3003.11 9803.32Other 3709.23 12108.37Total 30556.82 99749.44

There is no composition data available for commercial waste in the Region. Even in the country as a whole information on the composition of commercial waste is poor. A survey conducted for the Dublin Waste Strategy on the commercial office sector found paper and cardboard to be the largest component of this waste stream constituting 65%. A further study on commercial waste originating from a small shopping centre as part of the EPA Waste Database Study found the paper/cardboard component to be 55%. There have been no characterisation surveys to date on the composition of industrial waste.

3.5 PRIORITY WASTE STREAMS

The EU Resolution of May 7th, 1990 on Waste Management Policy within the Community considered that it was desirable to establish programmes to deal with certain types of wastes. In 1991, the Commission initiated its programme on Priority Waste Streams whereby project groups were established to determine a solution for a number of waste streams. The following waste streams were given priority in the EU Resolution:

Scrapped cars (or ‘end of life’ vehicles) Tyres Batteries Electrical and electronic waste Construction/demolition waste Hospital waste (healthcare waste) PCB’s Packaging and packaging waste Waste oils

The purpose of prioritising these waste streams is to increase the recycling rate and reduce the volume of waste to be disposed to landfill.

Table 3.4 estimates the quantity of these wastes arising in the Connaught Region based on figures calculated by the EPA or from import-export figures published by the Central Statistics Office.

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Table 3.4: Estimated Quantities of Priority Waste StreamsPriority Waste Stream Connaught Total

(tonnes per annum)Source

Electrical & Electronic Goods 6898 National Waste Database (1998)Batteries and Accumulators 700 National Waste Database (1996) & ModelOils 2816 National Hazardous Waste Plan (1998)Polychlorinated Bi Phenyls 8.31 National Hazardous Waste Plan (1998)Tyres 2600 National Waste Database (1998)Vehicles 3505 National Waste Database (1998)Packaging Waste 92887 National Waste Database (1998)Healthcare Waste 2337 National Waste Database (1998)

3.6 AGRICULTURAL WASTE

The management of agricultural waste is not undertaken directly by the local authorities, but they do have a responsibility for agricultural waste planning under the Waste Management Act, 1996 to ensure that these wastes are disposed in an environmentally friendly manner. If not managed correctly agricultural wastes can affect water quality and the general litter situation in an area. The principal wastes concerning farmers in the Region are as follows:

Animal slurries and manure Plastics – farm films, fertiliser bags, plastic drums Spent mushroom compost (mushroom growers)

As well as these there are some potentially hazardous wastes such as sheep dip and veterinary medicines which arise on farms – these are under consideration by the EPA National Hazardous Waste Management Strategy. The total amount of Agricultural waste arising in the Connaught Region is illustrated in Table 3.5. below.

Table 3.5: Total Agricultural Waste in the Connaught Region (Tonnes/Annum)Waste Type Sligo Leitrim Mayo Roscommon Galway Connaught

Animal WasteHoused CattleSlurry 362738.7 300800.9 1149234.2 753785.7 1276280.0 3842839.5Manure 145975.9 113404.3 327422.0 192142.5 249458.0 1028402.8Housed SheepManure 27829.0 18087.2 89750.8 52360.0 196182.7 384209.8PoultryManure 48589.3 29976.5 163602.2 88649.7 400846.1 731663.8PigsSlurry 13262.0 20739.1 35903.2 24952.4 20166.7 115,023.6Other Animals 9669.1 4702.1 14826.2 8602.1 48768.0 86567.5Sub Total 608064 487710.1 1780738.6 1120492.4 2191701.5 6188707Mushroom Compost*

775.4 1343.3 9930.2 11767.5 4601.3 28417.5

Farm Films 254.8 222.9 674.2 512.6 890.1 2554.69

Total 609094.20 489276.30 1791343.00 1132772.50 2197192.90 6219679.19*Tonnes Dry Solids

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3.6.1 Animal Slurries

The overall figures for production of animal slurries in the region are presented in Table 3.5. These are based on the agricultural census figures (the last complete census was in 1997) combined with factors for duration of winter housing, which have been derived from consultation with Teagasc local offices. The figures summarise the wastes which accumulate over the winter housing period and must then be managed and properly applied to the land in the summer period.

3.6.2 Farm Plastics

Plastic waste on farms has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Advancing agricultural technology in recent years has meant ‘wrapped-plastic’ silage bales are proving the most efficient means of storing winter feed for cattle. As well as black plastic used for silage (known as ‘farm-films’), other wastes such as fertiliser bags and plastic drums (e.g. feed supplement containers) are increasingly used yet farmers report that there is little option for re-using or recycling these wastes.

The national waste policy for the management of farm films is set out in the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 1997. These regulations give the producers and importers of these materials a responsibility to arrange for their collection from the farmer. A company named the "Irish Farm Film Producers Group", comprising members of various importers and producers, was set up in 1998 as a 'prescribed body' under the regulations. IFFPG has set up a hotline whereby collection of the plastic from a farmer is arranged once 200kg of clean plastic wrapping has been collected. The group have also set up community initiatives whereby when a number of farmers in a locality have a substantial amount of plastic collection will be arranged. The material is then exported to Scotland for recycling. Table 3.6 illustrates the various types and amounts of Farm Plastics produced in the Connaught Region.

Table 3.6: Farm Film Waste in ConnaughtCounty Hectares

Under Silage Production*

Quantity Silage Wrap

(tpa)**

Quantity Silage Sheet

(tpa)***

Quantity SMC bags

(tpa)****

TOTAL FARM FILMS

Sligo 12617 156.75 90.75 7.32 254.83Leitrim 6585 81.81 47.36 93.78 222.96Mayo 33724 418.99 242.57 12.69 674.24Roscommon 20463 254.23 147.19 111.14 512.56Galway 43159 536.21 310.44 43.46 890.10Total 116548 1448 838.31 268.39 2554.69

* CSO Agricultural Census Data, 1997** Interpolated from Farm Relief Services data – approximately 9,500 tonnes per annum of silage wrap are

supplied to farms in Ireland producing silage (total area of 933,600 hectares)*** Interpolated from Farm Relief Services data – approximately 5,500 tonnes per annum of silage sheet are

supplied to farms in Ireland producing silage (total area of 933,600 hectares)**** Calculated on the basis that a bag containing 20kg of mushroom compost weighs 85g (Teagasc, 1998)

3.6.3 Spent Mushroom Compost Production

A Census of Mushroom Production was carried out by Teagasc in 1997 which estimates that 272,554 tonnes of compost was used for mushroom production in Ireland. It is reasonable to assume that the weight of Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC) generated is similar to the weight of compost used. Table 3.7 illustrates the amount of spent Mushroom Compost in the Region.

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Table 3.7: Spent Mushroom Compost Waste in ConnaughtCounty Volume Per Annum (m3) Tonnes Per Annum* Tonnes Dry solids

Per Annum**Sligo 3446 1723 775.35Leitrim 1492.5 2985 1343.25Mayo 11033.5 22067 9930.15Roscommon 13075 26150 11767.5Galway 5112.5 10225 4601.25Total 34159.50 63150 28417.5

* Assuming that 2m3 of spent mushroom compost weighs 1 tonne (Teagasc)** Assuming that spent mushroom compost contains 45% dry solids by weight (Teagasc).

3.6.4 Agricultural Waste Management

Agricultural waste is more easily managed by management options such as river catchment management planning which is now gaining popularity in Ireland. The Department of Environment and Local Government have commissioned such studies in the Lough Ree/Derg, Lough Leane, Boyne, Suir and Liffey catchments. The study of the latter three catchments is termed the Three Rivers Project. The objectives of these studies can be illustrated by the Boyne, Suir and Liffey studies which are as follows:-

To protect water quality for abstraction as a primary beneficial use. To conserve the river system as a salmonid fishery. To conserve natural habitats within the river system as far as possible To maintain and develop the river for recreational and amenity use including water based

recreation. To give consideration to the hydroelectric power generation capacity of the River Liffey. To establish an integrated and sustainable Water Quality Management System for the

catchment.

The general decline in water quality in river systems in Ireland reflects increased levels of nutrient enrichment from both point and diffuse sources. Therefore, an additional and primary objective of the monitoring and management systems, to reduce the input of nutrients to the catchment watercourses, has been adopted in order to achieve the objectives mentioned above.

A major focus of the catchment management study will be to instigate sustainable strategies for reducing nutrient inputs to watercourses from diffuse sources such as farming. The development of nutrient management planning (NMP) for agriculture in line with recently published guidelines by the DOELG, and the adoption of best management practices (BMP) on farms will form a major element of these strategies.

A primary objective of the Monitoring and Management Systems is to develop strategies to reduce the input of nutrients to the catchments. It is recognised that the nutrient enrichment of Irish freshwaters is related to phosphorus inputs from agricultural sources. This recognition is reflected in recent national legislation, Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus, and the National Catchment Based Strategy against Eutrophication. The importance of Best Management Practices including Nutrient Management Planning are recognised in the latter document, in the DOELG’s recently published document “Nutrient Management Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities” and in the on going Rural Environmental Protection Scheme (REPS) administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. Consequently, nutrient abatement strategies developed for river catchments during this project will focus on implementing Best Management Practices for agriculture.

The practicalities of implementation and the effectiveness of the strategies will initially be tested in selected sub-catchments. The implementation of sub-catchment pilots will involve close co-operation between the project team and Teagasc advisors, especially at local level. In order to monitor the performance of these strategies, key water quality indicators will be

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identified and selected. In addition to the implementation of abatement strategies at a sub-catchment level, it is currently proposed that an awareness campaign, aimed at encouraging farmers to implement BMP throughout the catchments, will be instigated as part of the project nutrient abatement strategies.

In Galway local authorities are currently becoming involved in catchment management and are investigating the Corrib lakes and river catchment and have set up an in-house committee reporting to all interested parties. It is hoped that this study will develop into a regional river, lakes, groundwater and coastal study within hydrometric areas involving the counties of Galway, Mayo and parts of Clare, Sligo and Roscommon.

3.6.5 Waste Import and Export

Waste is presently imported into the Region in Galway. The Galway Harbour Authorities are required to accept ships waste under the Marpol 73/78 International Regulations Annex V.

Waste exported from the region includes the waste of Sligo Corporation area. This waste goes from a transfer station to landfill in Co Mayo. A proportion of wastes generated in the south of County Sligo moves within the region to landfill in neighbouring counties Mayo, Leitrim and Roscommon.

3.7DEFICIENCIES IN WASTE STATISTICS

The lack of reliable data on waste arisings has in the past been a symptom of the lack of regulation and control over waste management activities. This is now continually improving with the introduction of the Waste Management Act and ensuing Regulations. The forthcoming Waste Collection Permit Regulations will enable the Connaught local authorities to obtain information from waste collectors on waste quantities and types of wastes handled in addition to quantities disposed and recycled in the Region. The Waste Plan recommends that the local authority obtain necessary information from all waste collection, treatment, recycling/recovery and disposal operators.

At present there is no central system for the collection of data on waste arisings and information has to be obtained from a number of sources making the process very onerous. More centralised information on waste arisings within each county and on recycling in Connaught will make the management of waste in the region more efficient and ultimately should assist in reaching the targets set out in current National and EU Legislation.

With regard to certain priority waste excluding packaging, there is also a need for better information on the quantity and nature of industrial and construction/demolition wastes, waste tyres, batteries, end of life vehicles and electronic waste.

It is recommended that new local authority waste databases, set up and implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency, are used by the local authorities themselves as a future waste management aid. It is equally essential that existing and future landfills and other facilities be equipped with the necessary measurement and information technology systems to accurately track the sources, nature and disposal mechanisms for all wastes. A similar system is required in respect of hazardous waste.

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4. PACKAGING WASTE

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Packaging is defined in the Waste Management Act, 1996, as “any material, container or wrapping, used for or in connection with the containment, transport, handling, protection, promotion, marketing or sale of any product or substance, including such packaging as may be prescribed”. Hence this includes a very broad amount of waste ranging from food wrapping and shopping bags to the robust containers and boxes used in industry. The European Commission considers packaging waste a priority waste. This resulted from a Council Directive Resolution adopted in Dublin on 7th May 1990 on Waste Policy Management where it was considered desirable to establish programmes for specific types of wastes. In 1991 the commission initiated its programme on Priority Waste Streams whereby project groups were established to determine solutions for a number of waste streams including packaging.

4.2 QUANTITIES OF WASTE ARISING IN THE CONNAUGHT REGION

It is difficult to state with accuracy how much packaging waste arises within the Connaught Region. It is accepted that this quantity will have increased substantially in recent years; for example one of the largest sectors of growth in the Irish food industry is in pre-packed convenience foods, which involves much packaging. The quantity of packaging waste generated annually in the Connaught is estimated by assuming packaging accounts for a fixed percentage of the main waste streams, as follows:-

Table 4.1: Estimated Annual Arisings of Packaging Waste in Connaught RegionTonnes/annum Household Commercial Industrial Total

Total Waste Arisings 149,116 53,162 121,063 323,341Packaging Waste Arisings 37,279 17,543 36,319 91,141

Note: The packaging content of household waste was estimated at 25%, Commercial waste 33%, Industrial waste 30%

4.3 LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND

4.3.1 European Packaging Directive

The EU Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste 94/62/EEC addresses the need to conform with the EU waste management hierarchy, i.e. minimise the generation of waste and to increase reuse, recovery, and recycling of wastes. The Directive sets recycling and recovery targets, which must be achieved by specific deadlines.

In the implementation of the Directive on Packaging Waste in Ireland (94/62/EEC), the 5 year objective to 2001 is stated as:

25% recycling rate to be achieved by 1st July, 2001.

Between 50% and 65% (by weight) of packaging waste should be recovered in Ireland by 2005.

Within this general target, between 25% and 45% (by weight) of the total amount of packaging materials contained in packaging waste will be recycled, with a minimum of 15% (by weight) for each packaging material.

The Directive also emphasises prevention and reuse of packaging in Articles 4 and 5 respectively. Article 13 of the Directive states that measures must be taken within two years

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of 30th June 2001 (in the case of Ireland) to ensure that users of packaging, including in particular consumers, obtain necessary information about the following:-

The return, collection and recovery systems available to them

Their role in contributing to reuse, recovery and recycling of packaging and packaging waste

The meaning of markings on packaging existing on the market

The appropriate elements of the management plans for packaging and packaging waste to be incorporate into Waste Management Plans (i.e. Articles 4 & 5).

4.3.2 Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997

The Packaging Directive has been brought into Irish law through the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997. These Regulations became law on the 1st July 1997 and apply to all persons and businesses who supply packaged products, packaging materials or packaging e.g. shops, pubs, supermarkets, fast-food outlets, wholesalers, manufactures, importers, exporters. The purpose of the Regulations is to assist and promote the recycling of packaging waste.

All Producers of PackagingThe Regulations impose obligations on all producers of packaging whereby all producers are obliged to have such packaging waste either:-

Taken back by a supplier, or Recovered, or Made available for recovery i.e. segregated, offered free of charge to recoverers and held

for at least four weeks pending collection by a recoverer.

It is an offence for a producer to dispose of such packaging waste without first making it available for recovery.

Major Producers of PackagingThere are additional obligations placed on major producers of packaging waste. A major producer is a producer who :-

Annually places more than 25 tonnes of packaging on the Irish market (excluding packaging for reuse) and

Has an annual turnover in excess of £1 million.

These additional obligations on major producers include the following:

The provision of waste reception facilities at all premises, To accept packaging from the public, To collect packaging waste from other suppliers, To display notices regarding the acceptance of waste, To return or recycle such waste or make it available for recovery, To prepare and make available plans and reports in relation to packaging waste output

and waste recovery activities, To register with local authorities and to provide information to such authorities.

The information which must be provided in these packaging reports – which must be prepared on an annual basis - to the local authority is outlined in Part IV of the Second Schedule of the Regulations, which specifies the following:-

Official Company details,

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Location of premises at which packaging is produced by the producer The weight of packaging and packaging material received and supplied in the relevant

period in each of the specified categories The weight of packaging accepted by the producer in the relevant period, in each of the

specified categories The weight of packaging waste the transfer of which was accepted by other producers Recovery operators notified of the availability of packaging waste during the relevant

period, for the purposes of article 5(1), and the means used to effect such notification The weight of packaging waste –

(a) recovered by or on behalf of the producer, and (b) accepted by recovery operatorsin the relevant period, in each of the specified categories.

The weight of packaging waste disposed of or consigned for disposal by the producer in each of the specified categories during the relevant period, and the nature of the disposal operations involved.

(Specified categories according to the Regulations include glass, aluminum, steel, paper and fibreboard, plastics, wood and textiles or such other categories as may be specified by the Minister).

The Regulations also in Part IV of the Second Schedule outline how the information relating to the above is to be provided to the Local Authorities in a report for public information by major producers.

Local Authorities are responsible for enforcing the Regulations and the powers of enforcement available to Local Authorities include fines of up to IR£1,500 and/or 12 months imprisonment for summary convictions.

Exemption Clause – ‘Approved Bodies’An exemption from the onerous obligations of the Packaging Regulations is available to companies who are participating in a collective packaging-waste-recovery scheme operated by an approved body. REPAK Ltd. is at present the sole approved body in Ireland for the purpose of the Regulations. This is a private not-for profit company set up under a voluntary agreement between industrial interests (including representative bodies such as IBEC and RGDATA, and commercial organisations such as Irish Glass, KPMG, Smurfit Paper Mills) and approved by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Its aim is to achieve agreed targets for recycling of packaging waste in the most cost-effective way. Membership of REPAK offers the following services to members:-

Data collectionREPAK collects and collates data from its members in order to demonstrate to government progress towards targets.

Funding REPAK collects funds from its members and uses them to pay towards recovery schemes.

AdviceREPAK advises its members on all aspects of packaging waste.

LiaisonREPAK liaises with Government, local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant bodies, on behalf of industry.

REPAK’s targets relate to household waste only and consequently the funding to date has gone to Kerbside Dublin and Rehab Recycling Partnership, organisations already dealing with household waste recycling. These companies are based in Dublin although REPAK operates on a national basis. REPAK agreed a target with the Department of Environment and Local Government that 25,000 tonnes of household waste would be recycled by the year 2001. REPAK say they have already achieved this and are looking to expand their initiatives to the industrial sector.

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Repak have recently launched a new scheme for its members called the Uplift Scheme. The objective of this scheme is to collect 120,000 tonnes of packaging this year (1999) based on meeting a target of 27% recycling of packaging waste required to ensure meeting our obligations under the EU Packaging Directive. The scheme is focusing on cardboard, glass and LDPE whereby the glass will go to Irish Glass Bottles, the cardboard to Smurfit and a processor for LDPE has yet to be decided. A 3 month pilot scheme has just been completed in the Dublin area which collected cardboard only. The scheme in Dublin has now been expanded to collect glass and plastics. The scheme for cardboard collection has just commenced in Cork and is expected to be introduced in other regions shortly.

The mechanics of the scheme involve companies segregating their waste and when 2 tonnes of packaging waste are available for recycling, Repak will arrange to have it collected free of charge. Alternatively if the company already has an arrangement with a recycling company Repak will refund the cost of having the material delivered to Smurfit. It is anticipated that outside Dublin companies can have the first 3 tonnes delivered free of charge. An important aspect of the scheme is improved collection of waste statistics and companies are required to complete a waste transfer form for each waste shipment.

4.4 COMPLIANCE WITH PACKAGING REGULATIONS IN THE CON-NAUGHT REGION

At present the level of compliance with the packaging regulations is very poor in the country in general. Although the Connaught local Authorities in general have drawn up lists of relevant ‘major producers’ and in some cases disseminated information and surveyed the companies involved, there has been no enforcement carried out. There is no official register kept of relevant producers, and no official notices warning of legal action have been issued.

Neither has the ‘approved body’ system been successful to date. At present the number of companies joining REPAK is quite low and there is a perception outside Dublin that initiatives resulting from REPAK’s activities have no impact in the regions. For example a similar system exists in Germany for packaging waste recovery. The German equivalent of REPAK, a company called DSD achieves a funding equivalent to £ 19 per head of population. REPAK’s comparative figure is less than £2/ head of population.

The number of REPAK members in the Connaught Region is as follows:-

Galway 8 Mayo 3 Leitrim 2 Roscommon 2 Sligo 3

Total 18

The above numbers refer to companies with their head office based in the Region. For example, larger chain stores which are also members of REPAK but with a head office outside the Region are not included in these figures.

4.5 PUBLIC INFORMATION

The Environmental Awareness Officer in each local authority area will play a major role in educating the householders about source segregation of waste for dual collection and door to door collection of recyclables. They will implement the legal requirements in relation to information on recycling facilities available, information provided on recyclable packaging etc..

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4.6 REGULATORY OFFICERS

An energetic and organised approach to enforcement of the regulations is necessary, given the current poor level of performance as outlined above. The local authority must commit the regulatory officials when appointed to undertake the following:

Immediately identifying all relevant producers, and in particular major packaging producers

Contacting each firm and informing them of the purpose of the regulations and of the obligations under the regulations, and of the availability of REPAK as an approved body.

Setting up an official register of companies and processing of packaging reports, checking site notices etc. for companies who chose not to join an approved body.

Pursuing non-compliant companies by issuing of written notice requesting Packaging Reports and other information such as proof of company turnover.

Further enforcement involving legal sanction as laid down in the Regulations if necessary

Waste regulation must be carried out on an even and consistent basis across the region. For example it would be counter productive if strict regulation was enforced in one County whilst producers escaped responsibilities across the County border. This requires co-operation between regulatory staff in each of the six local authorities. They should prepare a common action plan of fixed time scale and pool resources as regards interpreting the detail of the regulations. They should set targets and monitor implementation through regular review – for example the list of compliant companies in each County could be prepared and updated.

If it is a case that most companies chose to comply by joining REPAK, then the local authorities should ensure that support is given by REPAK to recycling initiatives and schemes in the Connaught Region. Otherwise, people will feel aggrieved that meeting targets collectively does not involve any change on the ground in local areas. It is recommended that the six Connaught local authorities as a group liaise with REPAK in this respect and work closely with them.

Therefore by committing resources exclusively to regulation and close co-operation between local authorities the Packaging Regulations can be successfully implemented. Acting as a group the local authorities can ensure a return on the staffing investment by REPAK support for recycling initiatives in the Connaught Region.

4.7 PLASTIC BAGS

The Department of the Environment and Local Government has recently published a report on the need to address the extent of plastic bag packaging in the waste stream. This report recommends economic instruments in the form of a product tax for each plastic bag at the point of sale to be paid by consumers.

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5. WASTE COLLECTION

5.1INTRODUCTION

The broad categories applicable to waste planning are household, commercial, industrial and construction/ demolition waste, with other categories such as ‘litter/ street sweepings’, ‘bulky waste’, sludges etc. also being required. However, the classification of waste by waste collectors and sometimes at landfills tends to be less detailed than required for waste planning. For example:

All waste from refuse freighters tends to be classified as domestic, whether or not there is some shop or office waste included.

The term commercial waste was generally applied to all waste collected by commercial operators, whether that be from industries or shops or construction work.

Waste from industries is not always classified as industrial waste because some of this waste (e.g. packaging, waste from canteens) does not appear any different from commercial waste.

The present situation in Connaught is that only two out of fourteen waste disposal points are equipped with weighbridges. Waste inputs are estimated from vehicle numbers and typical vehicle weights. This system is not as accurate as a weighbridge with computer recording and systematic classification of waste type.

Commercial collection companies have become more prominent and cater for waste from businesses and manufacturing industries in the region. Delivery by the individuals and businesses to the landfill is still common place and quite significant in certain counties.

5.2HOUSEHOLD WASTE

The local authorities in the Region have a responsibility under Section 33 of the Waste Management Act, 1996 to collect or arrange for the collection of household waste within their functional area. Household waste collection is shared by the public and private sector. The domestic collection system and coverage appears to have stabilised to some extent over the last number of years. Commercial collection companies have become more prominent and cater for waste from businesses and manufacturing industries in the region. Delivery by the individuals and businesses to the landfill is still common place and quite significant in certain counties.

5.2.1 Collection by Local Authorities

Both Sligo Borough and Galway Corporation operate domestic waste collection services. These areas are similar in that household density is high and the system operates with modern hired fleet of freighters. In Mayo, a public collection service is operated over part of the county (UDC collection in Ballina, Castlebar and Westport, with Mayo County Council serving some other areas, up to 13,000 customers, which includes a small proportion of shops/ offices) and private operators serving other routes. The 1998 cost to householders was £ 87.50 per annum in Sligo Borough, £40 in Galway Corporation, and £90 in Mayo. Domestic waste collection is undertaken solely by private collectors in counties Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo.

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5.2.2 Collection by Private Operators

There are approximately 20 domestic waste collectors in the region, with 8-10 of these in County Galway and fewer in other counties. In general collection is from wheelie bins on a weekly basis, delivery is to the nearest local authority landfill, and collectors operate within natural catchment areas rather than respecting county boundaries. Loosely summarised, there is one collector operating in County Leitrim, 4 in Sligo, 6 in Mayo, 4 in Roscommon and 8 in Galway.

Charges range from £70-£75 per year (Leitrim) to over £120/ year in a few areas. The average cost for collection in Sligo in 1999 is £140. Typical charge is in the range of £80-100/ year/ household at present. None of the domestic waste is segregated or compacted at transfer stations prior to disposal. The age and standard of the collection fleet is variable. There are reportedly a small number of collectors who collect waste locally but are not recorded at local authority landfills as domestic waste collectors, and for whom the number of houses served is difficult to estimate.

The table below summarises information gathered for this study on domestic waste collection in Connaught. This is based on questionnaire surveys of waste collectors and estimates based on local enquiries where completed questionnaires were not received.

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Table 5.1: Number of Houses served by Domestic Waste Collectors in the Connaught Region (1998)

COLLECTOR Galway Galway Mayo Sligo Leitrim Roscommon Total

Corp. County

North West Wheelie Bin Service 1460 1460

Hire Services, Co. Mayo 660 340 1000

GPT Plant and Tool Hire, Sligo 1272 1272

Waste Disposal Sligo Ltd. 700 700

Cawley and Scanlon, Ballymote 1250 1250

Connaught Environmental Control - 2000 2000

WERS Waste Service, Tuam. - 1250 1250

Beirne's Bins, Co. Roscommon. 2200 2200

McLoughlin Waste Disposal. 2830 450 3280

Roscommon Skip Hire 40 40

Bergin Waste Disposal 647 647

McGrath's Industrial Waste 1510 1510

Bourke, Stanley-Westport 300

Heffrons - Belmullet 200

McCarthy, Denis - Castlebar 300

Tunney – Islandeady 300

Doocey - Geesala 600

Flannery –Killala 200

Galway Collectors Combined 29136 29136

PRIVATE WASTE COLLECTORS 0 29136 5320 4209 2830 6150 47645

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Galway Corporation 16467 16467

Sligo Corporation 5711 5711

Mayo County Council 11726 11726

TOTAL NO. OF HOUSES SERVED 16467 29136 17046 9920 2830 6150 81549

Dwellings, 1996 Census, CSO 17334 38849 34624 17629 8374 16513 133323

% Collection Usage 95.00 75.00 49.23 56.27 33.80 37.24 61.17

* Figures in Italics are estimates in the absence of information from the Collector.

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5.3WASTE COLLECTION COVERAGE

The percentage collection usage by householders as reported by public and private sector is outlined in Table 5.1 above. The data suggests that on average only 40-50% of householders in counties Mayo, Leitrim, Roscommon and County Sligo avail of a weekly waste collection. This is at odds with landfill figures which suggest 70 – 80% of the domestic waste generated is landfilled. Some reasons for this difference are: the amount of waste delivered to the landfill by the general public; some commercial waste is possibly recorded as ‘domestic’ at the landfill; there may be some local collectors who collect from a small number of houses and who are not included in the above table. It is also possible that the number of houses served by waste collectors is higher than indicated by the survey.

It is recognised that some people deliver waste independently to the landfill on a regular basis, especially in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim, but the overall usage of proper disposal routes would still be no more than 60-70 % of households. The coverage in County Galway is higher, and the coverage in Galway and Sligo City is high. The overall usage of waste collection across the region is approximately 61% of households enumerated in the 1996 census.Certain households in the region do not avail of collection for one or more of the following reasons:

They are in an isolated area not served by collection and too far from landfill. The cost is seen as too high for a waste service. They are prepared to dispose of waste on their own property. In rural areas a degree of composting and segregation of organic waste has been carried

out historically. Burning and/or burying of waste is not perceived as a problem. Certain people are prepared to illegally dump waste in the countryside.

From enquiries in the region it appears that this unaccounted for waste is disposed of in a number of ways: It is buried on the householder’s property, it is burned and the ashes are buried, or it is dumped illegally in bogs or ditches in the countryside.

The domestic waste landfilled in the region at present is the sum of that collected and that delivered to the landfill by the public. By comparing the estimated waste generation for the region with the amount landfilled or recycled, It is evident that there is a gap of approximately 20,000 tonnes which is not recorded within the known disposal routes. Further waste generation surveys and better recording systems at landfills would improve the level of information available to local authorities in respect of household waste management. In addition the forthcoming waste collection permitting regulations will allow more detailed information to be gathered from private sector waste collectors.

5.4WASTE MANAGEMENT ON THE ISLANDS

There are seven inhabited islands off the coasts of Counties Mayo and Galway. These include Achill, Clare and Inishturk islands in County Mayo and Inishmore, Inishmaan, Inisheer and Inishbofin in County Galway. On Inishmore approximately 600 tonnes/annum household and commercial waste is collected from 320 households by Galway County Council and deposited in Kilronan landfill. Waste is similarly collected on Inishmaan where some 100 tonnes/annum is either removed by skip to Galway or landfilled on the island. On Inisheer, some 200 tonnes/annum is brought directly by boat for landfilling on the mainland. The waste quantities include for significantly increased arisings during the summer tourist season. It is estimated that some 35% of waste arisings result from tourism activities.

On Inishbofin, household waste is collected monthly during the winter and twice monthly during the summer months, a total of 16 annual collections. A fee of IR£25 is paid for each collection which is funded by a nominal contribution from each household. Galway County Council have a contract with a boat owner to bring waste to the mainland for disposal.

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Achill island is connected to the mainland and has a waste collection service. Clare island receives funding from Mayo County Council that allows a fortnightly skip service for any uncombustible household waste, while bottle and can banks on the island are collected by Rehab. Any waste metal on Clare island is collected 1-2 times a year. Inishturk also receives funding for waste collection on the island but there is no collection service at present. There are bottle and can banks collected by Rehab but the majority of household waste is burned.

The islands experience particular problems in dealing with waste management and these are recognised in this Waste Management Plan:

access in transportation terms for recycling markets and disposal on the mainland significant variations in waste quantities (incl. litter) arising from tourism industry lack of suitable landfill areas due to environmental considerations and lack of scale to

reach modern standards.

5.5 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE COLLECTION

A survey was carried out of the principal waste collectors serving commerce and industry in the region. The response achieved was variable. Collectors do not always make a distinction between commercial and industrial waste, and hence did not all give a breakdown. The information received for tonnages collected was in general based on very rough estimates. The table below represents the findings from some of the principal collectors in the region excluding Co. Galway. The wheelie-bin services operated by the local authority/UDCs in County Mayo also collects from a limited number of small shops and offices.

Table 5.2: Number of Houses served by Domestic Waste Collectors in the Connaught Region (1998)COLLECTOR Number of commercial and industrial customers Tonnes

Mayo Sligo Leitrim Roscommon Total CollectedNorth West Wheelie Bin Service 20 20 40Hire Services 380 50 430 -Waste Disposal Sligo Ltd. 175 -GPT Plant & Tool Hire Ltd. 82 82 702McLoughlin Waste Disposal 500 50 550 2570Bergin Waste Disposal 7 43 12 38 100 6657Donagher Waste Disposal * - -McGrath's Ind. Waste Disposal 230 230 2400Molloy Waste, Co. Mayo 23 3200County Equipment, Co. Sligo * -Roscommon Skip Hire 31 1235Mayo County Council 1054 1054 -No. Of businesses served

1694 350 512 139 2466*No reply received

5.6COLLECTION OF RECYCLABLES

The main materials recycled in the region are metals, glass, paper/cardboard and to a lesser extent other materials such as pallets, plastic, oil, batteries, and timber.

Table 5.3 summaries the total wastes recycled from each County from survey/ enquiries with these private sector operators carried out as part of the Waste Management Strategy Study. The overall recycling rate is calculated for each county. This expresses the amount of municipal waste recycled as opposed to arisings. Municipal waste is a combination of domestic and commercial waste. Table 5.3: Overall Recycling - Connaught Region: Tonnes Per Annum

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County Galway Mayo Roscommon Sligo Leitrim TotalGlass 827 586 183 249 100 1945Metal 14020 10850 5100 9000 13150 52120Paper/ Cardboard 2275 570 75 985 75 3980Other 603 263 177 39 45 1127

Total 17725 12269 5535 10273 13370 59172Total excl Metal 3705 1419 435 1273 220 7052Municipal Waste 91331 45424 19629 19213 11074 186671Recycling Rate 4.1% 3.1% 2.2% 6.6% 2.0% 3.8%Source: Waste Collector SurveyOther: comprises plastic, pallets, textiles, waste oil.Municipal Waste is a combination of Domestic and Commercial waste .

5.6.1 Metal Recycling

There are four principal scrap merchants who collect the majority of metal recycled in Connaught, which is mostly industrial waste. These are the Galway Metal Company, Hammond Lane (Athlone), Skyline Crane and Plant Hire (Sligo) and Erin Recycling in Kinlough, Co. Leitrim. All metal collected is exported for processing abroad. There are a number of smaller scrap collectors in the region but in general these sell to one of the above operators. Ferrous metals account for approximately 95% of the total tonnages.

Metal recycling diverts this material from landfill to a certain extent, but also saves the environment by averting dumping of end-of-life vehicles, fridges, batteries and other undesirable materials. According to Erin Recycling, there has been a sharp drop during early 1998 for the price paid for such material (from c£40/ tonne to c. £20-25/ tonne). This is related to recent Russian economic difficulties, which meant that new steel from these countries became relatively inexpensive for steel mills. A downfall in the metal recycling market could mean that merchants would have to be paid to lift scrap, and this could have a negative impact especially in rural areas.

Table 5.4: Metal Recycling - Connaught Region: Tonnes collected per annumCounty Galway Mayo Roscommon Sligo Leitrim Total

Galway Metal 14000 7000 50 4000 - 25050Hammond Lane 123 769 4100 769 1025 6786Erin Recycling* - 1500 - 2500 11000 15000Skyline (DNT) - 800 300 1500 350 2950Other collectors 500 500 500 500 500 500Rehab (Alu) 17 4 1 3 1 22Total 14640 10573 4951 9272 12876 50308

Tonnes p/aSource :* Above figures are for all ferrous and non-ferrous metals collected by metal recyclers.Other collectors is to account for smaller companies taking scrap out of region independently.* is a 1997 figure, all the rest are 1998 figures

5.6.2 Glass

Glass from the public is delivered to Recycling Bring-Banks, which are located throughout the region. These are collected by Rehab Recycling Partnership except in Leitrim (six banks by McComiskeys Ltd. of Killeshandra, Co. Cavan). There is also some collection from pubs/hotels/commerce by private collectors, such as McComiskeys. All glass collected is sorted and delivered to Irish Glass Bottle in Dublin for recycling into new bottles.

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The City Bin Co. Ltd. and Rehab Recycling Partnership have recently launched a joint venture of commercial glass recycling in Galway City. A company called the City Recycling Co. has been formed and waste collection commenced on the 11 th of January of this year (1999). The company now employs five people, two of whom have special needs. The company collects from 109 licensed premises at present, some on a daily basis.

Tonnages CollectedThe following Table 5.5 summarises the information available on glass recycling in the region. The figures below are based on information from Rehab, Sligo and Roscommon, and Leitrim County Councils for 1997. Information was also supplied by Irish Glass Bottle re. private collectors. There are apparently a number of independent glass collectors operating in the region (collecting from pubs, hotels, etc.) but these appear to be based outside Connaught. They do not advertise their services and it is difficult to identify the scale of these operations. An estimate has been included for glass collected by such collectors for each county.

Table 5.5: Glass Recycling - Connaught Region: Tonnes Per Annum CollectedCounty Galway Mayo Roscommon Sligo Leitrim Total

Bring Banks 627 186 83 149 50 1095Private Collectors*Mayo 400 400Others 200 - 100 100 100 500

Total 827 586 183 249 150 1995Tonnes p/a

Source: *See text above

5.6.3 Paper and Cardboard

As part of the Waste Management Strategy Study a questionnaire and follow-up interview was carried out with all identifiable paper/ cardboard recycling companies in the region, which amounted to only 5 companies. Only one company was recycling paper and this on a small scale. The Smurfit organisation which accept waste cardboard for recycling were also contacted. The total tonnage of cardboard and paper recycled from the Connaught region is set out in Table 5.6.

Table 5.6: Cardboard and Paper Recycling - Connaught Region: tonnes per annumCounty Galway Mayo Roscommon Sligo Leitrim Total

Connaught Recycling

1200 1200

Feoil Freight 350 350West of Ireland, Castlebar

5 150 5 15 5 180

WDSL (Sligo) 900 900Other 1070 70 70 70 70 1350

Total 2275 570 75 985 75 3980tonnes p/a

Source: Information from recyclers and from Smurfit recycling.Other accounts for 20 t/week delivered to Smurfit from Co. Galway, and an approximate 7 Tonne/week delivered from other miscellaneous Connaught sources

The cardboard recycled by Connaught Recycling, Feoil Freight and to a lesser extent WDSL comes largely from industrial and commercial enterprises that have a large volume of clean cardboard ‘left aside’ for the collectors. The quantity of cardboard diverted from landfill represents only a fraction of what is disposed of in the region.

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West of Ireland Confidential Shredding differed from the other enterprises in that they accepted waste paper (shredding) and also newspaper for recycling. The office grade paper is shipped to Dublin, where it is purchased by Dee Recycling (who further ship it to Larne, N.I. for tissue manufacture). The waste newspaper (delivered by the public) is sorted, shredded and packed in 25kg sacks, then sold to farmers as bedding material.

5.6.4 Plastics

One company (Plastex Ltd.) based in Co. Leitrim who collect plastic regrind from the injection moulding industry for recycling in the UK was interviewed. The waste arises from off-shoots from the moulded plastic piece, which can be ground to small pieces and re-injected. Injection moulding of plastics is quite strong in the northern-western end of the region, and the quantity recycled reflects only a fraction of the waste plastic produced. Certain companies regrind and recycle waste internally in their own processes. Irohoul collect plastic from window manufacturers and Ulility Ireland and Conc an Glas Spiddal also collect some plastic. Some detail on plastic recycling is included in Table 5.7 below.

Market fluctuations mean that profitability is low, especially given the transportation costs. Whilst smaller indigenous companies tend to regrind and recycle their own plastic wastes, multinational companies or those involved in specific products are averse to the use of regrind for quality control reasons. Given that waste disposal is not a high cost in overall terms at present, many companies do not explore recycling ventures.

5.6.5 Construction and Demolition Waste

At present the construction sector in Connaught is very buoyant, and there is a high level of new house building, renovation/ extension work, as well as new industrial, commercial and agricultural units also. Therefore the generation of construction/demolition waste is also at an unprecedented level in all counties. However the waste arising from these activities is not landfilled at local authority landfill sites to a large extent. Present practice is to tip construction/demolition waste on agricultural land reasonably near the site of origin. The land may be low-lying or wet and this landfilling is perceived as beneficial and offers the possibility of improved site conditions - for example the site may become viable as a residential site. The demand for such fill material is high and building contractors have no difficulty in disposing of C/D waste in general. This is however a form of illegal landfilling as such practice to operate correctly needs an EPA Waste Licence.

The difficulty with the above is that there is little or no control exercised at present on what wastes are inert construction wastes and what material should be segregated and landfilled. As a result a degree of miscellaneous wastes such as packaging waste, timber, metals etc. are mixed with the more typical C/D wastes such as concrete, rubble, soil etc. In general, these practices are no longer acceptable in either physical planning or waste management terms. C&D waste should be recycled/reused and only landfilled as a last resort.

The national recycling targets state that 50% of C/D waste must be recycled within five years, rising to 85% within 15 years.

5.6.6 Other Materials Collected for Recycling

Pallet RecyclingBoth Connaught Recycling and Feoil Freight in Castlebar recycle pallets. It is likely that other businesses in the region are informally recycling pallets to some extent also.

Waste Oil and Car filters are collected by Atlas Oil based in Portlaoise. Their collection figures for Connaught are summarised below. They also offer a new service for collection and recycling of oil filters.

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Other materials are recycled/reused (or in some way diverted from landfill) but on an informal basis, with no central collection point for provision of statistics. Examples of such material would be:

Food from catering companies and hotels/ restaurants – pig farmers Wood shavings – collected for use as animal bedding Tyres- reused as ballast on silage pits

Table 5.7: Recycling of Other Materials - Connaught Region: tonnes per annumCounty Galway Mayo Roscommon Sligo Leitrim Total

PlasticPlastex 1 60 15 5 81Connaught Recycling 21 21Subtotal (tonnes) 102

Pallets Connaught Recycling 300 300Feoil Freight 40 20 60Subtotal (Tonnes) 360

TextilesRehab 53.9 14.7 15.2 9.0 - 92.88

Waste OilAtlas Oil 228.1 206.8 81.4 15.3 40.0 571.6

Subtotal 603 262.5 176.6 39.3 45 1126.4

5.6.7 Review of Recycling Infrastructure

Bring Banks

CoverageAt present household recyclables are collected through a system of bring banks primarily operated by the Rehab Recycling Partnership. The density of recycling bring-banks is outlined in Figure 5.1, which shows that there is an imbalance in terms of bring bank density across the region with some areas having a far lower density of bring banks than others.

As part of the Strategy Study many of the bring banks were visited and seemed to fall into one of two categories: newer banks which were neatly placed, relatively tidy and well signposted with information and including the county crest, and older banks which showed varying degrees of tidiness, and less signage or information.

The faults common to many banks were:

1. There is not always a bin placed for litter such as plastic bags (most people carry the bottles in a box or bag which must then be disposed of),

2. Untidiness around the bins- lack of maintenance, 3. The banks are not emptied often enough, become full, and the public has to leave bottles

and cans in the vicinity.4. Poor signage, lighting and public information.

From the review carried out in Connaught, these faults were found across the Counties to some extent. The newer banks seem to conform to a higher standard of presentation and signage, and present a better image, being placed on cobble-lock paving, and having public information and a fresh image. However the older generation of banks are deteriorating, and

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in several cases were in an untidy condition. This deterioration is not only due to age but lack of investment in cleaning and collection.

There is a need to apply a minimum standard across the region in terms of density and appearance. This means investment in terms of maintenance, more frequent collection, and a fresher image. In terms of design costs and public information there would be benefits of scale from working on a regional basis.

Paper and Cardboard Recycling – StatusRecycling of cardboard and paper is perceived as a very precarious business, since several firms were left with unshippable stocks of paper when the market for this product failed in 1994-1995. In fact, each of the companies collecting in Connaught has some other parallel operation (waste collection, security shredding, freight business) and would not viably operate on the sales from paper alone.

The collection of the material is not the major obstacle to increased recycling (as seen in Sligo for WDSL) – most industries and commerce will gladly segregate such waste if it is collected for free or cheaply. Each of the companies involved can see opportunities for increasing volume of material collected through investment in collection/ sorting/ baling infrastructure, but most are hesitating to expand.

It is the cost of transporting the waste paper/ cardboard to Dublin and the low price per tonne (if any) paid at the mill that makes recycling unattractive. By increasing landfill charges, there will be a further demand from industry for recycling (even if this amounts to cheaper disposal) but this will not solve the problem of transportation costs and the fact that the material has no intrinsic value. If there was a definite sustainable market demand (i.e. higher prices) for waste paper, the recycling industry would re-emerge.

Several of the waste recyclers expressed disappointment with the level of support and encouragement offered by the local authority. It was felt that some back-up is required from the local authority for facilities such as construction/demolition waste recycling.

5.7 DEFICIENCIES IN WASTE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING INFRA-STRUCTURE

The Connaught local authorities recognise that there are a number of areas where progress is required over the Plan Period. Deficiencies in the collection and recycling infrastructure can be summarised as follows:-

Household

There is insufficient recycling infrastructure at present in terms of bring centres and recycling centres

The older bring banks are deteriorating and in many cases were very untidy

Lack of restriction on waste presentation can lead to litter problems

There is no separate collection of household hazardous waste

The participation in the waste collection is low in some counties

The lack of adequate markets in Ireland for recyclables is a negative influence on the recycling efficiency

Commercial/Industrial Waste

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There are no regulations currently in force to encourage industry/commercial organisations to separate or sort waste

The is no control at present on the disposal route in the absence of collection regulations

The IPC licensing regulations need to address clean technology at industrial level once waste planning by the local authorities is sufficiently advanced.

Construction and Demolition Waste

Absence of regulation of construction/demolition waste makes it impossible to control the waste stream and divert from landfill

Lack of specification at national level for use of recycled C/D materials in road and general engineering works

There are currently no facilities to recycle this material in the Region

With regard to construction/demolition waste recycling, a Construction Industry Task Force is being set up by the industry as a response to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government’s policy document ‘Changing our Ways’. This is an attempt at voluntary regulation by the industry to set up schemes to meet the new national targets set by the Minister in October 1998.

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6. WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

6.1WASTE TREATMENT

Waste treatment as defined in the Waste Management Act, 1996 includes any “thermal, physical, chemical or biological processes which changes the characteristics of waste in order to reduce its volume or hazardous nature or facilitate its handling, disposal or recovery”. It therefore includes any separation, pre-sorting, compaction, baling, shredding or heat/chemical treatment.

The principal waste treatment infrastructure in the Connaught region consists of small transfer stations/sorting plants operated by waste collectors in the region. Such facilities are operated by Galway Pallets, Galway Metals, City Bin, Barna Waste, Walsh Waste, Connaught Waste and WDSL Transfer Station in Sligo.

6.2WASTE DISPOSAL

At present the bulk of the waste generated in the Region is landfilled. In January of 1998 there were a total of 15 landfills within the Connaught region, all operated by local authorities, with a combined annual waste input of approximately 200,000 tonnes. Since then Tuam landfill in Galway, Belmullet landfill in Mayo, Boyle, Castlerea and Strokestown landfills in Roscommon have already closed. By the year 2000 it is expected that there will be just 6 local authority landfill sites in the region. The following table summarises the annual waste input as classified by the local authority in 1998. The situation in each county is summarised below. In the long term, there is little or no remaining landfill capacity. All counties are awaiting the outcome of the regional strategy/plan to see what treatment and disposal facilities are required.

County MayoThree landfills remain in operation: Derrinumera (near Castlebar/ Newport) and Rathroeen (Ballina). Waste Licence applications have been made for the two landfills, but remaining capacity is limited to five to ten years for both. A Draft Licence has been issued for Derrinnumera which is currently under review by Mayo County Council. Upgrading is planned for both in terms of improved site infrastructure, weighbridge facility, civic amenity facilities, monitoring and conditioning. The landfills at Claremorris and Belmullet were recently closed. The County Council plans to provide a civic amenity/transfer station for Claremorris.

County SligoThere is no active landfill in the County. Waste is transferred from the Sligo Corporation area to a landfill in Co. Donegal, and private collectors in rural Sligo tend to deliver directly to nearby landfills in neighbouring counties (Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo).

The decision by Donegal County Council to accept the waste from Sligo transfer station into their landfill at Ballintra is reviewed annually by Donegal County Council, who themselves have diminishing landfill capacity, with an estimated 2-3 years capacity available in general. Acceptance of this waste is only guaranteed until late 1999.

County RoscommonThe closure of Boyle landfill in 1998 has been followed by the closure of Strokestown and Castlerea landfills in 1999, and the County is now operating at two disposal sites at Roscommon town and Ballaghadereen. The council intends to upgrade Ballaghadereen and Roscommon sites in terms of infrastructure (weighbridge, fencing, roads etc.) and monitoring as outlined in Waste Licence applications to the EPA. There are no plans at present for civic amenity/ transfer facilities.

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County LeitrimFollowing the closure in 1999 of Manorhamilton landfill, two landfill sites are in operation by the County Council at Mohill and Carrick-on –Shannon. Waste licence applications have been submitted for both these sites which envisage closure within a 2-3 year period, this situation is due to change with all sites planned for closure by the year 2000. Civic amenity sites with transfer capability are planned for Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton to serve people who would normally deliver waste. The county council has no collection infrastructure and sees its future role in waste management as regulatory (towards implementation of the polluter pays principal) rather than being a service provider.

Galway City and CountyThe Galway region (the administrative areas of Galway Corporation and Galway County Council) up to 1st October, 1998 was served by four landfills at Carrowbrowne, Ballinasloe, Tuam and Kilronan. Carrowbrowne landfill served Galway city and was operated by Galway Corporation, while the other two main landfills at Tuam and Ballinasloe were operated by Galway County Council and Ballinasloe Urban District Council respectively. The Kilronan site is operated by Galway County Council.

The Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 1997 have led to a phased introduction of landfill licensing. Licence applications have been made to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Carrowbrowne (October 1997) and Ballinasloe (March 1998). A decision was made not to licence Tuam landfill. The landfill was closed in September 1998 and replaced by a civic amenity site to which the public can bring waste. Carrowbrowne landfill was closed by the High Court in December 1998. Planning permission has been granted to Galway Corporation for a 3 year extension of the site but is currently under appear to An Bord Pleanála. Ballinasloe landfill has been recommended for remediation, upgrading, and expansion to take residual waste from Galway City and County up to 31st December 2005 by which time a new residual landfill will be in place.

Connaught RegionThe annual quantities of waste landfilled in the region in 1998 is summarised in Table 6.1 below.

Table 6.1: 1998 – Estimate for Waste Landfilled in Connaught Region County Site Estimated input in Tonnes, 1998

Galway Ballinasloe/ Carrowbrowne 88,400subtotal 88,400Mayo Derrinnumera, Castlebar 40,000

Rathroeen, Ballina 22,000Shanbogroneen, Belmullet Closed

subtotal 62,000Roscommon Roscommon 7,535

Boyle ClosedBallaghaderreen 5,636Castlerea ClosedStrokestown Closed

subtotal 13,171Leitrim Carrick-on-Shannon 7,500

Manorhamilton ClosedMohill 4,500

subtotal 12,000Sligo (transfer station) 11,243subtotal 11,243

Total Connaught 18,6814

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6.3DEFICIENCIES IN WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL ARRANGE-MENTS

At present there are no realistic alternatives to landfill in the Region capable of handling large quantities of waste

Remediation and upgrading of existing landfills must continue

A transfer station in Galway City environs to facilitate bulk transfer of waste to Ballinasloe is urgently needed (planning permission under consideration)

The continued disposal of Sligo’s waste outside of the Region (to Donegal) cannot be guaranteed

Up to now there has been no control on the operation of small transfer/sorting facilities by private operators

6.4ORGANISATIONAL AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

The current waste management costs were obtained from the Connaught local authorities and are outlined in Table 6.2. Average cost recovery across the region is running at 48%. The recovery costs are derived solely from landfill charges, and in the case of Mayo County Council, Galway Corporation and Sligo Borough from collection charges. There is no source of income in County Sligo as there is no landfill facility in the County and waste collection has been privatised. The trend in Connaught is towards private sector collection with householders paying directly to the waste collectors concerned for the service. The only other source of waste management funding is direct funding from central government. Government policy favours the implementation of the ‘polluter pays’ principle and self-funding of facilities through gate fees. The increased costs of funding waste management facilities to meet modern EU standards will mean increased charges at these facilities.

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Table 6.2: Connaught Local Authority - Expenditure & Revenue Statement 1997- (compiled in December '98)Costs Leitrim

Co. Co.Mayo

Co. Co.Galway Co. Co.

Galway Corp.

Roscommon Co. Co.

Sligo Co. Co.

Sligo Corp.*

Total

Transfer Station - - - - - 251,980*** - 251,980

Waste Collection - 1,068,351*** - 751,300 - 18,168*** 144,069*** 1,981,888

Special Clean-up/ annual collection

10,770 - - 360,000 - 492.50*** - 371,262.50

Street Cleaning - 225,000*** 13,170 - 142,000 75,670 177,312*** 633,152

New Equipment - 25,000*** 45,000 10,000 - - 80,000

Waste Treatment and Disposal

120,000 450,000*** 139,831 729,150 210,800 - 212,851*** 1,862,632

Waste Reduction and Recycling

600 15,000*** 9,969 - 6,500 11,556*** 1,586*** 42,211

Administration and Planning 10,000 261,000*** 35,000 385,380 - 51,947*** 31,003*** 774,330

Loan Charge - 150,000***- - - - 66,626*** - 216,62600

Landfill Closure/Aftercare - - - - - 15,444*** 5,732*** 21,176

Payments to other Local Authorities

- 136,034*** - - - 26,000*** - 162,034

Operating Costs 141,370 2,330,385 242,970 2,235,830 359,300 566,641 572,553 6,449,049IncomeLandfill Charges 73,200 167,084 - - - - - 240,284

Fees for Collection - 822,232 133,533 480,000 103,559 - - 1,539,324

Income from Other Users - 207,034 - 280,000 - - 434,759*** 921,793

Operating Income 73,200 1,196,350 133,533 760,000 103,559 0 434,759*** 2,701,401Operating Deficit 68,170 589,292 109,437 1,475,830 255,741 186,564 137,794*** 2,822,828

Cost Recovery 52% 67% 55% 34% 29% 0% 76%*** 42%*Average Cost recovery in Sligo County and Borough is 51% **Changeover to Wheelie-Bin system, once-off cost.*** 1998 figures

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7. WASTE PREVENTION AND MINIMISATION

7.1 INTRODUCTION

The fundamental principle underlying this strategy development is the EU Waste Hierarchy, which places prevention and minimisation of waste as first priority ahead of recycling, recovery and finally disposal. This hierarchy was originally in the Framework Directive on Waste (91/151/EEC) and is the basis of Irish policy as established in the Waste Management Act, 1996. The hierarchy incorporates the concept of sustainability into waste management.

Up to now in Ireland most local authority resources were devoted to ensuring waste collection and disposal, with a limited amount of recycling and very little investment in public education or waste prevention. Therefore a change in attitude is required within the local authorities, who up to now have been reticent about investing in such programmes which do not necessarily yield tangible results. However, the logic of preventing and minimising waste is inescapable, especially in the light of higher standards and escalating costs for waste collection/ treatment/ disposal infrastructure.

There are two main strands pursued as to how prevention/ minimisation can be implemented. The first strand deals with the general public and what can be done by individuals, families or communities to reduce waste. The second approach is at industrial level, where significant waste reduction can also take place.

7.2 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS

7.2.1 Waste Management Act, 1996 and Waste Management Planning Regulations, 1997

The Waste Management Act, 1996 specifies that (Part III S. 28): "A person who carries on any activity of an agricultural, commercial or industrial nature shall have due regard to the need to prevent or minimise the production of waste and shall take all such reasonable steps as are necessary for the purposes of such prevention or minimisation”

The possibility of carrying out waste audits is mentioned in the Act, where "waste audit" means (under Section 27(i)) "an evaluation of the manner in which an activity is carried out with a view to identifying opportunities for:

(a) preventing or minimising the production of waste from the activity or the harmfulness of any waste produced from the activity, and

(b) facilitating the recovery of any waste so produced.”

Section 27 (2) states:- “a reference in this Part to the implementation and operation of a waste reduction programme shall be construed as a reference to the taking of steps in a systematic manner for the purpose of:

(a) reducing the production of waste from the activity concerned or the harmfulness of any waste produced from the activity,

(b) recovering any waste so produced,

having regard to the results of a waste audit conducted in relation to the activity".

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The Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997 also state that:

"A plan shall describe measures in support of waste prevention and minimisation carried out by the local authority and by business and industry and give an assessment of the impact of such activities".

7.2.2 Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992

This Act gives the Agency the opportunity to promote the carrying out of environmental audits, and specific industries are required to get an integrated pollution control (IPC) licence in order to operate facilities. The Agency shall not grant a licence or revised licence for an activity unless it is satisfied that, among other things:

“the best available technology not entailing excessive costs will be used to prevent or eliminate or, where that is not practicable, to limit, abate or reduce an emission from the activity”.

The Agency will have power to prescribe standards for best available technology not entailing excessive costs (BATNEEC). The Agency has produced a number of BATNEEC notes, and when applying for an Integrated Pollution Control licence, a company must pay attention to the relevant note. It is stressed in the IPC Application Guidance notes that: "Prevention of waste is the preferred option rather than elimination, abatement or reduction of an emission from the activity. The use of clean technologies resulting in improved efficiency in the use of materials and energy, and in the reduction of waste must be demonstrated".

One of the principal objectives of the IPC licensing system is to secure from licensees annual improvements in waste minimisation. This means that - for the majority of licensees - a waste minimisation programme is an essential component of the Waste Management Plan for the facility. The information obtained through the annual report to the EPA must include amounts of raw materials usage, waste produced, off-site recovery and on-site recovery. The relationship of raw materials usage to waste produced is important in assessing the environmental performance of a licensee in respect of waste.

The National Waste Database (NWD) is a national framework established by the Agency to record and report waste management statistics for the country. To facilitate maintenance of the NWD licensees are required to complete a table with information which requests data on number of employees, total tonnage of waste produced and total tonnage of waste recovered. This must be completed as part of the annual environmental report.

7.3 CURRENT INITIATIVES IN CONNAUGHT

7.3.1 Household Level

In general initiatives have been aimed at diverting waste from disposal by encouraging the use of recycling bring facilities and encouraging home-composting. Some efforts have also been made towards education and community initiatives.

County Galway

Both Galway County Council and Galway Corporation have circulated a Newsletter to all households on the Galway Waste Management Strategy and also the Connaught Regional approach. Galway County Council have appointed an Environmental Awareness Officer who is interfacing with community groups, schools, industry groups etc.

At household level the County Council has undertaken a home composting initiative. The project involved a start-up meeting with 200 households, information material and a report back from the participants after two years informing about the user's satisfaction with the composting effort.

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County MayoThe County Council has recently expanded its Bring Bank network and has a member of the Environment division employed in enhancing recycling facilities and improving public education. The Council are currently recruiting an Environmental Awareness Officer in line with waste strategy recommendations.

County SligoIn County Sligo a number of recycling initiatives are taking place at present, a few of which are noted below:

1. A Global Action Plan initiative is sponsored by Sligo County Council. This involves the formation of eco-teams within the community to develop ways to reduce waste and other resources such as water and energy.

2. A pamphlet has been published by Sligo Corporation to educate people about waste minimisation and to introduce the public to the new Wheel Bin System for domestic refuse collection

3. The Sligo Recycling Project receives funding from the Peace and Reconciliation Fund; a body set up to subsidise cross-border activities. Aluminium cans are collected in Sligo and transported to Northern Ireland to be recycled. The project employs people under a community employment scheme to collect aluminium cans. About 20 tonnes of aluminium are collected per year and a facility for crushing the cans has been bought. The project also provides a service once a year of collecting large metal items, washing machines, fridges etc. These are taken to local scrap merchants.

The County Council has also recently expanded and upgraded its bring facilities in co-operation with Rehab Recycling Partnership, and has a relatively high density of banks per population

County RoscommonRoscommon County Council promotes waste minimisation by encouraging recycling at a local level. There are six bring sites in Roscommon where people can deposit segregated glass, aluminium cans and textile waste for recycling. No provision is made for recycling of cardboard and paper. Expansion of such Bring facilities is planned.

County LeitrimLeitrim County Council's policy on waste minimisation is operated solely on the basis of implementing the "polluter pays" principle. The cost of waste disposal has been increased to £26 per tonne in the industrial sector. This incentive to minimise waste has not yet been applied to the domestic sector. Recycling facilities for glass and aluminium cans are also provided and it is intended to expand these.

7.3.2 Industrial Level

Industry Visits – Summary of Findings

A series of industry visits was planned with the objective of covering all counties in Connaught and to visit a range of industries from small to medium sized. The larger IPC licensed industries tended to be involved in some type of environmental management system. Generally all industries visited had at some stage experienced the need for management to deal with waste issues, since waste is industry's responsibility. All industries visited had at some stage implemented or made experiments with recycling of packaging either internally or in a supplier-customer chain.

It was found that several industries kept different types of waste separated on the floor but mixed these wastes in the skip bound for the landfill as there was no recycling activities.

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Several had investigated possibilities for recycling and reuse of waste but generally it was felt that information about entrepreneurs available to provide these services is lacking.

IPC listed industries, whether already licensed or not, were aware of the necessity to implement an environmental management system and to investigate for possibilities to minimise waste. None of the industries visited had carried out a systematic waste audit to access amounts of waste in various areas of production, investigate the causes for creation of waste, prioritising which types of waste to deal with or preparing an action plan for waste minimisation.

Some small and medium sized industries are targeted by the IPC licensing system. Those who do not belong to this category are obliged to meet the requirements of the Waste Management Act and Packaging Regulations to segregate and recycle waste. It is evident from the industry visits described above that many are either not aware of these obligations or simply have not responded due to lack of enforcement of the Regulations to date by the local authorities. Generally these companies are not involved in waste minimisation activities.

The visits to SMEs in Connaught showed that:

systematic waste (Environmental) audits for the purpose of identifying possibilities for waste minimisation and Cleaner Production is virtually unknown to SMEs

initiatives for Cleaner Production were taken in a few, specific cases mainly based on a recognised problem with occupational health

waste is often segregated on the shop floor but mixed in the skip - the potential for waste segregation is present if the markets exist

more, regular information and exchange of ideas in waste minimisation and waste management is desirable for this sector

packaging presents the greatest challenge at the moment

Further FindingsA further 28 industries were contacted by telephone to ascertain the extent of the effort being made to minimise waste in the region. The following questions were asked:-

Had they taken measures to minimise waste and if so had this resulted in changes in the process ?

Which materials are recycled ? Would the company benefit from contact with an Environmental Awareness Officer? Is there sufficient information about/communication with other industries in order to make

it possible to exchange specific fractions of waste?

The general impression was that waste minimisation is only considered when a specific problem is identified rather than resulting from a systematic waste audit analysing amounts and opportunities.

Most of the companies contacted stated that they would be interested in attending meetings to discuss waste minimisation and general problems in waste. The interest was most evident in the plastics industry as plastic regrinds are in some cases reusable either in the manufacturer's own plant or elsewhere. However, their reuse is not as widespread as desired due to high transportation costs. It is often cheaper for the producer to dispose of the regrinds by landfill rather than by offering them to another manufacturer. One company a rubber manufacturer has managed to granulate its waste rubber and make rubber mats for children's playgrounds from the granules. This venture has now expanded to such an extent that other producers are now disposing of their rubber waste by donating it to this company.

Almost all companies contacted felt that they would have something to gain from the Environmental Awareness Officer or a technical waste minimisation officer, particularly with regard to liasing with other manufacturers who might have use for their waste or whose waste they might have use for. It was also thought that the officer would be helpful in designing processes to allow for waste segregation.

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7.4 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WASTE MINIMISATION IN CON-NAUGHT

The Connaught Local Authorities shall undertake the following during the period of the Plan:-

At Household/ Community Level:

Appointment of an Environmental Awareness Officer in each local authority to promote and foster waste minimisation at source in communities, schools, etc. as described above.

The role of the this officer is to educate the public as to how they can involve themselves in waste prevention, minimisation and recycling. The precise functions of the officer are described above. There may be a possibility for two smaller authorities sharing this officer.

The Environmental Awareness Officer will foster a partnership between the public and the local authority through personal communication and a high public profile. Support should be given to organisations active in public environmental education as part of the local authorities Local Agenda 21 effort.

At Industry Level:

Appointment of a Regional Industrial Waste Management Officer jointly funded by each of the six Connaught local authorities.

The Regional Industrial Waste Minimisation Officer will promote waste minimisation and cleaner production within all industries with particular focus on SMEs, as described above. This may be done through personal industry visits, an information brochure, and demonstration programmes. The formation of groups within industrial estates or meetings initiated by the Regional Industrial Waste Management Officer is recommended. Industries can be encouraged to undertake waste audits and eventually implement environmental management systems.

The local authority, through the Regional Industrial Waste Minimisation Officer should involve other interested groups such as the regional authority, Industry Representatives, trade unions and environmental groups in support of the demonstration programme and industry initiatives.

More initiatives for increasing environmental and waste minimisation awareness in SMEs. Training material for identification of Waste Management opportunities through systematic audits and encouraging Cleaner Production can be developed as a follow-up to the waste management strategy;

Within the Local Authority:

Education and training of staff within the local authority as to the philosophy of waste prevention/ Minimisation and how this can be achieved. This could be carried out by the Environmental Awareness Officer.

A commitment to carrying out internal waste audits within the local authority. The possibility for implementing an Environmental Management System based on this audit is recommended.

Charging Mechanisms:

Graduated environmental charges, which have the potential to support waste minimisation, offering cost savings for waste reduction, thereby giving an incentive to producers to reduce waste.

Waste Regulation:

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Enforcement of the Packaging Regulations, which have a potential for waste minimisation and recycling.

Recycling Infrastructure:

An improved recycling infrastructure is required in the West of Ireland. This is seen by public and industry alike as an integrated part of waste minimisation.

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8. ANTICIPATED TRENDS/DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE PLAN PERIOD

8.1TRENDS IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste management in Ireland has been undergoing rapid change in recent years with the introduction of the Waste Management Act, 1996 and resulting Regulations. Local authorities now have increased responsibilities relating to waste management planning, waste regulation, service and controlling the operation of service providers. These obligations relate to household, commercial and other wastes including construction/demolition and agricultural waste.

Local Authorities may regulate the waste producer (household, commercial) through the enactment of bye-laws to cover such matters as segregation at source, thresholds for sorting, waste presentation etc. They will be required to regulate the collection of all waste in their administrative areas through a system of Permits issued to approved waste collection organisations including recycling organisations operating ‘collect’ and ‘bring’ schemes. Larger waste treatment and disposal facilities will be operated under Licence from the EPA. These Licences will cover the operational and management practices, monitoring and reporting requirements.

The approach towards waste management over the Plan period will focus on reducing Connaught’s current dependence on landfill disposal and moving towards an integrated approach which will include new waste collection and treatment methods having regard to the following options:

Waste Minimisation – this will be achieved through the Environmental Awareness Officers and the Regional Industrial Waste Minimisation Officers

Recovery of secondary materials (recycling): this will require adequate sorting and access to reprocessing facilities

Biological treatment of organic materials: this will produce marketable compost or reduce volume for disposal. Biological treatment includes both composting (aerobic) and anaerobic digestion

Thermal treatment: this will reduce volume, render residues relatively inert and will recover energy. Thermal treatment includes conventional waste to energy using mass burn incineration or more recently developed thermo-chemical processes including gasification and pyrolysis

Residual Landfill: will always be required to some extent and when engineered to a high standard this method will minimise pollution and loss of amenity.

The Connaught local authorities shall ensure that the policies, objections and targets outlined in the DOELG document ‘Waste Management - Changing our Ways’ are incorporated in the Connaught Waste Management Plan and implemented. Adoption of the Connaught Waste Management Plan will ensure that these government policies are met in the Connaught context.

8.2TRENDS IN POPULATION DISTRIBUTION/GROWTH

The waste model developed for the Connaught Waste Management Strategy Study covered a 15 year time period from 1999 to 2014. The population projections used are based on the population and labour force projections (1996-2026) produced by the CSO. The CSO provide national figures only and these have been applied on a pro rata basis to the study area. The CSO projections are based on assumptions relating to mortality and migration. Using these

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assumptions the CSO have provided four tables of populations under different combinations of fertility and migration. The M1F1 assumption of high fertility and high migration has been used in this study. On this basis the population is expected to increase from 432,231 in 1996 to 464,435 in 2013 a net increase of 32,204 over this part of the Plan period.

Table 8.1: Population Projections for the Connaught Region, 1996-2005Year Galway Urban

PopulationsGalway

Urban %GalwayRural

Populations

Galway Rural %

Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim,

Roscommon

Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim,

Roscommon %

1996 57,241 1.40 131,613 0.10 243,377 0.341999 59,661 1.36 132,008 0.10 246,878 0.342002 62,092 0.83 132,405 0.18 249,529 0.392005 63,645 0.81 133,121 0.17 252,460 0.392008 64,990 0.48 133,654 0.06 256,495 0.602011 65,924 0.47 133,895 0.06 261,140 0.532013 66,545 0.47 133,975 0.00 263,915 0.53

The population growth trends over the past few years would indicate that most of this growth would be expected to occur in the Galway City and Environs.

8.3HOUSEHOLD WASTE GENERATION

The waste quantities used in the model are derived from MCOS surveys conducted and data supplied by the Connaught local authorities and the Kompass database of industrial activities. Estimates on the growth in waste quantities for the initial five year period have been made as shown in Table 8.2 below.

Table 8.2: Estimated growth rates (% per annum) for different household wastes in the Connaught Region

Type of Waste 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005Household 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5Green Waste 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.5Bulky Waste 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5

It is anticipated that household waste generation per capita will slow over the plan period as the effects of the waste plan implementation are expected to reduce the growth rate slowly towards 0% per annum.

Green waste per capita will grow only slightly as the garden size of dwellings in general will remain the same throughout the plan period with the informal application of home composting also reducing the growth of green waste. Bulky waste per capita is expected to follow the same pattern as household waste.

8.4COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL WASTE GENERATION

Anticipated trends in waste production in the different sectors of society were predicted for the model. The model is divided into households, commercial, industrial and construction/ demolition activities. These activities in turn can be sub-divided into different commercial and industrial activities.

Commercial waste per employee is expected to grow slowly due to higher productivity but due to the effects of the Packaging Waste Directive growth should drop gradually in the following periods.

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Industrial waste per employee is expected to grow at a slightly faster rate than commercial waste due to higher productivity per employee. However, due to the implementation of the Packaging Waste Directive and other waste minimisation initiatives the growth will fade gradually and even pass zero in the following periods.

The trends in future growth rates for commercial and industrial waste during the initial five year period are outlined on Table 8.3 below.

Table 8.3: Estimated growth rates (% per annum) for commercial/industrial waste in the Connaught Region.

Type of Waste 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005Commercial 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5Industrial 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5

Figures were obtained from the CSO and a commercial database supplied by Kompass on the number of employees in these sectors. Projections were then made on these baseline figures using the ERSI medium - term review 1997-2003 as shown in Table 8.4 below.

Table 8.4: Employment and the Labour Force, Percentage Change, Mid-AprilYear 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 1990-

19951995-2000

2000-2005

Traditional Manufacturing -2.3 4.3 3.6 2.7 1.6 -0.6 1.5 1.6 -0.6 2 1Food Processing -12.6 0 0 0 0 0 1.3 1.2 3.1 -2.7 1High Technology 9 7.2 6.7 4.6 1.3 -3.2 1.6 3.9 2.6 5.7 1.8

Building 4.9 9 7 2.4 -0.6 0.1 -1.4 1.4 1.5 4.5 0.6

Retail 7.1 3 5.6 4.5 2.7 3.7 2.9 2.9 3.4 4.6 3.1

Distribution 4 3.6 5 6.4 2.1 2.6 1.7 1.6 1.6 4.2 2.2Health & Education 3 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.7 2.6 2.5

Office sector 3 2.5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2.1 2.3 2

8.5CONSTRUCTION/DEMOLITION WASTE GENERATION

As with all areas of the Country there is an unprecedented scale of construction activity taking place. This level of activity is expected to continue in the initial part of the plan period and may taper off towards the latter stages of the plan period. The following types of major projects are known to be commencing over the plan period:-1999 to 2004 approximately:-

Ongoing housing construction and urban renewal involving demolition and reconstruction Major road projects Major water and sewerage schemes Other infrastructural projects.

If the amount of construction activity, particularly road construction continues to increase at its present rate then mining and quarrying waste will also increase at this rate.

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8.6OTHER SECTORS

The Western Health Board has a Health Care Waste Management Plan which was prepared in 1996. This document describes the various categories of health care waste, waste minimisation, segregation and current disposal practices. The issues of staff training, occupational health and safety and record keeping are also addressed. At present there is a requirement to export healthcare risk waste (hazardous component of healthcare waste) as there are no facilities in Ireland to treat this waste. This is being addressed at present and the Department of Health and Children is co-operating with the health services in Northern Ireland to implement a nation wide contract to deal with this waste stream. The planning for the management of healthcare risk waste is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Health Boards under the Waste Management Act, 1996.

8.7 PENDING LEGISLATION AND POLICY IN WASTE MANAGEMENT/ ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

The introduction of the EU Landfill Directive has the greatest potential to impact on waste management policy in the Connaught Region. This will require diversion from landfill for increasing proportions of municipal biodegradable waste based on 1995 waste production levels. By the years 2006, 2009 and 2016, biodegradable municipal wastes must be diverted from landfill to 75%, 50% and 35% respectively of the 1995 baseline figures.

Part II of the Waste Management Act, 1996 states that the following Regulations will be revoked:-

The European Communities (Waste) Regulations, 1979The European Communities (Toxic and Dangerous Waste) Regulations, 1982The European Communities (Waste) Regulations, 1984The European Communities (Asbestos Waste) Regulations, 1990The European Communities (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1991The European Communities (Waste Oils) Regulations, 1992The European Communities (Asbestos Waste) Regulations, 1994The European Communities (Transfrontier Shipment) Regulations, 1994The European Communities (Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations, 1994

In terms of environment legislation, an amendment to the Environmental Protection Agency Act of 1992 is expected next year. This is to take account of a 1996 EU Directive relating to integrated pollution prevention control. Government policy is guided by the National Sustainability Document and a National Environment Partnership Forum to develop the concept of sustainable development. The Forum will represent a cross section of interest groups and a Consultation paper has been produced.

There is also a proposed amendment to Directive 91/689/EC on hazardous waste. This deals with separate collection of certain wastes under separate collection schemes, and requires each Member State to set up public information campaigns to efficiently implement the Directive.

There is also a Proposed EU Directive for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment which is expected to be issued after 2002/2003. End-of-life equipment such as computers, televisions, vacuum cleaners etc. are deemed a priority waste by the EU, and a Draft Directive is under consideration at present by the Commission for better management of the waste stream. The Directive will aim to increase recovery rates for waste / scrap items, and to reduce the quantities of this waste stream consigned to landfill.

The Directive is expected to set out a 'producer responsibility' approach to management of this waste stream - the producer/ importer of the products will have to take back and pay for recycling of the products at the end of their life. This in turn will cause companies to rethink their product design in order to minimise recycling costs. The details of how this scheme will

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operate in Ireland are not yet clear, but it is possible that the role enforcing compliance with the WEEE directive will fall to the local authority, as is the case with the Packaging Regulations and the Farm Plastics Regulations. This would lead to an increased workload of waste regulation and monitoring by the local authority when the provisions of the Directive are brought into law.

Also of relevance is the Waste Management (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 1998. These regulations prescribe the day on or after which the collection of waste oils requires a waste collection permit in accordance with section 34(1) of the Waste Management Act, 1996. They also provide for other matters including the prosecution of offences by any person, the transfer of waste, the making of waste management plans, the defrayal of costs incurred by local authorities and the provision of information.

8.8 RECENT LEGISLATION

8.8.1 EU Directive on the Landfilling of Waste

The introduction of the EU Landfill Directive which was adopted in 1999 has the greatest potential impact on waste management policy in the Connaught Region. This will require the diversion from landfill for increasing proportions of municipal biodegradable waste based on 1995 waste production levels. By the years 2006, 2009, 2016, biodegradable municipal wastes must be reduced from landfill by 35%, 50% and 75% respectively.

This directive was adopted in 1999 and sets out the technical standards which all landfill disposal sites must meet in the future in terms of improved and consistent operation and ensuring environmental protection. All operators of landfills public or private will need to conform to the requirement of the Directive, whose overall aim is to minimise environmental impact to air, water and the global environment and human health.

The Directive specifies three classes of landfill: for inert waste, for non-hazardous waste and for hazardous waste, and specifies what material may be disposed of in each of these types of facility. There is also a requirement to implement reduction in landfilling of specific wastes, including biodegradable wastes (a phased reduction will apply). Certain wastes are banned from landfill, including certain liquid wastes, corrosive, explosive oxidising, flammable or highly flammable wastes, infectious healthcare wastes including from veterinary practices, and tyres (with certain exemptions).

The Directive sets out minimum requirements that must be fulfilled in the application for a permit (Waste Licence) granted by the Member State for operation of a landfill, and the conditions that must be met before a permit is granted - these include the need for a competent person to manage the facility and the provision of financial security to ensure operation and aftercare costs can be met. The Directive also sets out what information the permit should contain. Further Articles of the Directive refer to operational and aftercare responsibilities for landfill sites.

8.8.2 EU Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles

A Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles has also recently been passed by the EU. This Directive proposes to introduce the concept of producer-responsibility in the disposal of end-of-life vehicles by applying a levy to the cost of production of each car which will then be used to recycle and dispose of the vehicle in an environmentally sustainable manner.

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9. WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

9.1 INTRODUCTION

The policy adopted in the Connaught Region is based on government policy as outlined in the policy document Changing Our Ways. The policy also strives to ensure the Best Practicable Environmental Options for Connaught’s waste. The regional approach as outlined in this Policy Statement emphasises the benefits to be obtained from the regional approach as follows:-

“Significant economy of scale is one of the main benefits accruing from this regional approach. This in turn provides a viable framework in planning and volume terms for the development of integrated and innovative waste management systems.”

For this reason the quantities and economy of scale required to justify the development of more innovative non-landfill solutions is best met in the regional context.

9.2 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

A number of integrated scenarios were developed in order to assess and determine the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) for Connaught’s waste. These scenarios represent a combination of different recycling targets, the possible introduction of thermal treatment with energy recovery leading to landfill disposal of residues only. The economic costs and environmental impacts of the scenarios were calculated by subsequent computer modelling.

Waste prevention and minimisation measures are included in each of the three scenarios considered. The policy on waste reduction in all sectors of waste production is specifically dealt with in Section 7 of the Plan. Targets for reduction in the level of growth of waste are included in the modelling process. The analysis of waste management options (recycling, energy recovery and disposal) outlined below concentrates on managing the waste which will arise after waste prevention and minimisation measures have been carried out.

The scenarios are as follows:

Scenario 1 - Achieve maximum realistic recycling

Scenario 2; Achieve national and EU targets by recycling and thermal treatment

Scenario 3; Achieve maximum landfill diversion through fastest possible implementation of recycling and thermal treatment

Under Scenario 1, a comprehensive recycling infrastructure in terms of both collection and materials recovery would be set-up, and disposal of all residual and non-recyclable waste would be by landfilling.

Under Scenario 2, Thermal Treatment with energy recovery would be provided, with a need for residual landfill only. Recycling infrastructure would also be developed to the extent at which mandatory National targets would be met.

Under Scenario 3, recycling efforts would be maximised as in Scenario 1, but thermal treatment would be provided, with residual landfill only.

Maximum diversion from landfill was a primary objective in developing the scenarios. However, it is not possible to recycle all waste so bulk reduction methods such as thermal treatment were also considered to achieve the objective of maximising diversion from landfill.

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In each scenario, a staged implementation plan for recycling/bulk reduction treatment facilities and the appropriate schemes for waste collection over the planning period were identified. Important aspects in identifying this implementation plan are:-

Requirements and targets in National and EU Waste Policy.

Realistic time span for making necessary decisions in the local authorities, setting up relevant operative organisations, obtaining approval from authorities and constructing the facilities.

Each scenario covers management of waste generated at households, commercial and industrial enterprises, as well as from construction and demolition activities. Sewage sludges are also a waste stream amenable to thermal and biological treatment but were not included in scenario modelling. Further waste streams are also addressed in the Plan in terms of agricultural and mining/quarrying sources but were not considered in the modelling process.

The model took into account environmental, technical and financial implications of each scenario. Each scenario was translated into an integrated waste management system, which set out collection, recycling and recovery/disposal facilities as well as an implementation time-scale over the period 1999-2014. The stages of model were presented as follows:

Description of facilities required for each scenario Overview of staged development Assumptions for waste stream calculations Waste stream and cost calculations Environmental assessment

The cost implications included capital, operating and transportation costs as well as revenue from products and energy. The relative overall costs for each scenario were expressed in terms of Net Present Value (NPV).

In addition to the economic assessment described above an environmental assessment was also carried out on Scenarios 2 and 3 as Scenario 1 did not meet the mandatory recycling targets. The environmental assessment concluded that Scenario 3 was the most favourable.

Scenario 3 - maximum landfill diversion through fastest possible implementation of recycling and thermal treatment - is the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO), most likely to provide a robust sustainable Waste Management System for the region in accordance with legal and practical requirements. In comparing the scenarios it was found that waste management options favouring high levels of recycling combined with thermal treatment were required to meet the requirements of the new waste policy.

The following considerations determined the selection of the preferred waste management option for the Connaught Region:-

The scenario must respect the EU Waste Hierarchy so that re-use and recycling is preferred as far as possible (Best Practicable Environmental Option).

The ultimate solution must be robust, providing a secure route for all waste streams.

Thermal treatment is favoured for the following reasons:-

- The ambitious targets set out in the new National Waste Policy Statement are unlikely to be achievable in practice without thermal treatment

- As a form of energy recovery, it is higher in the National and EU Waste Hierarchy than landfill.

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- The fact that thermal treatment with energy recovery is a more desirable environmental option than landfill (provided harmful wastes are diverted from the process).

- To achieve large scale bulk reduction in final waste volumes having regard to the very limited availability of landfill capacity in the Region and the high level of public resistance to new landfill development.

- Thermal treatment has the capability of treating the substantial quantities of sewage sludge likely to be generated after wastewater treatment has been commissioned in Galway City, Sligo and at other plants in the region.

- Thermal treatment will not compromise the meeting of waste recycling targets and will achieve higher waste recovery resulting in lower landfill requirements.

- Optimum location of thermal treatment facilities can maximise energy recovery, including the use of heat for industry, potential use of heat in new residential/commercial developments and electricity production.

The waste management policy is outlined below while the detailed implementation of the policy is described in Chapters 11 and 12.

9.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

9.3.1 General

The waste management policy adopted by the Connaught local authorities in this Waste Management Plan is based on the objectives and targets set out in the recent government publication on Waste Management - Changing Our Ways. This document sets out the following recycling/diversion targets:-

Diversion of 50% of overall household waste away from landfill

Minimum of 65% reduction in biodegradable waste consigned to landfill

Development of waste recovery facilities employing environmentally beneficial technologies, as an alternative to landfill including the development of composting and other feasible biological treatment facilities capable of treating up to 300,000 tonnes of waste per annum

Recycling of 35% of municipal waste

Recycling of at least 50% of C & D waste within a 5 year period with a progressive increase to at least 85% over 15 years

Rationalisation of waste landfills with programmed and sustained reductions in numbers leading to an integrated network of some 20 state of the art facilities incorporating energy recovery and high standards of environmental protection

80% reduction in methane emissions from landfills

These new national targets are to be achieved over the next 15 years were published on 1st

October, 1998 in a policy document entitled Changing Our Ways, are intended to fulfil our obligations under EU legislation. The main thrust of the policy is to reduce national dependence on landfill and to assist local authorities in the transition to a modern integrated waste management system. The importance of the regional approach is underlined and support is expressed for private involvement.

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9.3.2 Waste Minimisation Policy

Each local authority in the region will have in place as soon as possible an Environmental Awareness Officer. These officers will play a major role in educating the public and the commercial sector in waste issues and waste minimisation in particular. There will also be one Regional Industrial Waste Minimisation Officer who will work specifically with industry in trying to reduce waste production.

One of the primary objectives of the local authorities shall be to stabilise, and in the longer term, reverse the growth in waste generation in line with National Policy.

The local authorities shall ensure to the best of their ability, that all commercial and industrial producers of waste are aware of their obligations under Section 28(2) of the Waste Management Act, 1996.

The local authority will seek to introduce a requirement on major development proposals requiring the developer to submit a waste management plan for construction and demolition waste to be generated during the development.

The Environmental Awareness Officer will encourage the concept of reduced consumption of throw away items and the choice of unpackaged or minimally packaged products.

The local authorities shall, over the life of the plan, prepare a booklet with information relating to waste prevention, minimisation and recycling initiatives together with other general information that is considered appropriate.

9.3.3 Waste Collection Policy

In order to achieve the new national objectives and targets and to implement Scenario 3 of maximum landfill diversion through fastest possible implementation of recycling and thermal treatment changes are required to the collection system. These changes are required to facilitate in particular the collection of dry recyclables and organic waste.

Household WasteDoor to Door collection (‘kerbside’ system) of recyclables with source segregation to be introduced in all urban areas aiming to eventually cover approximately 50% of households in the region.

For areas not covered by door to door collection extension and upgrading of Bring-Bank networks in rural areas with a target density of one bank per 500 population. Upgrading of existing Banks to conform to higher standard of appearance and signage where necessary.

Provision of a network of 21 No. Recycling Stations throughout the region. These will be based as stand-alone civic amenity sites with a high level of appearance and permanently staffed. The stations may cater for the collection of the following waste streams:

Recyclable wastes Glass, metal, packaging etc. (feed to local MRF)Bulky waste Fridges, cookers, etc.Priority/Hazardous waste Batteries, waste oils, etc. Green garden waste Feed to local green waste recycling facilityLight C/D waste Feed to local C/D waste recycling area

Source segregation and dual collection of organic waste fraction starting from 2003. Achieving dual collection coverage in all urban areas, extending system to cover 50 % of all rural areas. This may run as a waste collection on alternate weeks for the organic and residual fraction.

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Commercial and Industrial WasteSource separation and extended recycling system of the waste stream for commercial, industrial, and construction/demolition waste in accordance with new bye-laws to be introduced under the Waste Management Act, 1996. Recyclable waste from commerce and industry to feed to Materials Recycling Facilities.

9.3.4 Waste Recycling Policy

In the long term Scenario 3 when implemented in full will recycle 48% of household, commercial and industrial waste. The government targets are also to be achieved over a 15 year period. However over the Plan period the objective is to achieve a 20% recycling rate and many of the recycling initiatives will be put in place as follows:-

Materials Recovery Facilities: These will sort and bale recyclable waste collected from Door-to-Door collection systems and from Bring Banks. They may also process source-segregated recyclable waste (such as cardboard, glass etc.) from Commerce and Industry. Two larger facilities at Galway and Sligo to be complemented by facilities at Castlebar, Roscommon, and Carrick-on-Shannon which would be principally aimed at sorting and baling packaging waste from commerce/ industry.

Garden ‘green’ waste composting plants to be constructed throughout the region. These are to be located in Galway City and Ballinasloe, Castlebar, Roscommon, Sligo, and Carrick-on-Shannon.

Biological treatment of organic kitchen waste to be carried out at two central treatment plants (Tuam/ Sligo), to treat centrally waste collected via dual-collection system.

Construction and demolition (C/D) waste recycling facilities, one facility close to Galway City. Other areas served by mobile plant recycling stockpiled C/D waste at defined locations in Region.

9.3.5 Energy Recovery Facilities

The Connaught local authorities favour thermal treatment as part of an integrated solution to the management of the Region’s waste. Thermal treatment of the residual combustible waste stream with energy recovery is recommended. One plant to be situated at Galway City or Environs serving the region. This plant will cater for combustible waste transferred from other transfer stations. Estimated nominal capacity of 150,000 -200,000 tonnes per annum.

9.3.6 Waste Disposal Policy

The diversion of waste from landfill is the primary objective of the Waste Management Plan and future waste disposal policy in the Connaught Region. It is recommended that available landfills in Counties Mayo, Roscommon and Leitrim be kept open as long as allowable under EPA waste licensing and remaining void space maximised. This will keep waste inputs at each site at a manageable rate, allowing for improvements in operation and infrastructure to be carried out according to EPA manuals. If both landfills in Co. Leitrim close and waste from Sligo is not accepted in Co. Donegal, then a possible crisis situation would result. It is therefore necessary to make decisions now and to immediately commence planning to avoid such a situation arising.

It is essential that day to day operation of the interim landfills be improved in the Connaught region immediately in accordance with EPA manuals. The required improvements have been outlined in individual waste licenses applications, but each local authority must immediately take action to show better management practices and higher standards of operation. This should include: application of daily cover, control of pests and nuisances, improved fencing,

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improved visual appearance (litter control, better signage) infrastructural improvements (roads/ compacting equipment) and weighbridge/ data collection.

New landfills to handle the residual wastes for North and South Connaught shall be developed. One of these shall service Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim and the other shall service County Galway. Planning and site selection for these residual landfills needs to proceed immediately.

Closure plans shall be prepared for all recently closed landfills. An inventory of former landfill sites and other contaminated sites should be established and investigations carried out.

9.3.7 Sludge Management Policy

The Department of Environment and Local Government have issued guidelines on the preparation and implementation of Sludge Management Plans. The sludges to be included in these Plans are non-hazardous sludges which are generated from a number of activities such as livestock rearing, agri-industry municipal wastewater treatment, municipal water treatment, and private industry. It is recommended that the Sludge Management Plan should address the following:-

Sludge Minimisation Identification and quantification of wastewater treatment sludges Identification and quantification of other non-hazardous sludges Choose the hub centre and satellites Evaluate the potential for agricultural biosolids Evaluate alternative management strategies Choose a treatment process Treatment process to achieve biosolids for land-based management strategies Treatment processes for alternative management strategies Management of other non-hazardous sludges Training and Staffing Quality Control

The Connaught local authorities are embarking on the preparation of individual sludge management plans on a county wide basis.

The Sludge management plan for Galway City and County is currently in draft format and Mayo County Council are currently preparing a plan. Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo County Councils are awaiting approval to proceed with the preparation of their plans. This Waste Management Plan will have regard to the provisions of these plans.

9.3.8 Agricultural Wastes

The waste from this sector primarily consists of animal manures and slurries and it is only those that arise from housed animals and intensive agriculture such as pig and production which are problematic. In general in the region these are adequately managed within the agricultural sector. To assist with the management of these wastes the local authorities in the region will:

Provide closer monitoring of agricultural waste management in the County.

Encourage the use of nutrient management planning as a means of reducing the potential for pollution from wastes. If necessary the Councils will enforce the preparation of such plans.

Establish closer links with the agricultural advisors and representatives groups such as Teagasc, IFA and other bodies.

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Provide information and advice to the farming community in relation to good practices and legal obligations.

Co-operate with and support the farm plastics recovery system established by the Irish Farm Films Producers Group (IFFPG).

There may also be a possibility of co-operation with the agricultural sector in relation to the recommended treatment of biodegradable wastes if the anaerobic digestion system is pursued. This is also relevant to sludge and organic wastes from the agri-industry sectors.

9.3.9 Policy on Landfill Aftercare and Remediation

The Connaught local authorities are committed to the remediation and aftercare of all closed landfills. This requires that landfills which have reached or are nearing the end of their useful life for waste disposal, require remediation including capping off and gas collection/draw-off, together with provision of appropriate monitoring infrastructure.

In accordance with the EU Landfill Directive and EPA Landfill Manuals, all existing landfills will be remediated on the basis of EPA licence requirements. An investigation of historical waste disposal or recovery sites will be undertaken in the Region to ensure that the requirements of Section 22(7) (h) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 are met.

9.3.10 Policy on Hazardous Waste

The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for hazardous waste planning under the Waste Management Act, 1996. In this regard the Agency is currently preparing a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan which is currently in draft Plan and expected to be finalised shortly. This Plan will have regard to the National Plan where appropriate.

The Connaught local authorities shall take measures as deemed appropriate to fulfil their obligations under Section 26(5) of the Waste Management Act, 1996.

9.3.11 Financial Policy

The polluter-pays principle shall be applied to all waste producers on an even and consistent basis across the region. Use related charges shall be introduced where feasible.

The capital and operational costs for services such as waste collection and treatment will be recovered directly through private sector operators by use of gate fees. Public-Private Partnerships involving the local authorities and the private sector may be a suitable institutional arrangement as a funding mechanism, especially where larger facilities or contracts are involved.

Certain non-operational costs, (such as education, regulation and minimisation staffing, and landfill remediation) cannot be passed on in these ways, however. If not covered by an enhanced gate fee at public facilities, these will have to be paid for by increases in Government Block Funding or some similar mechanism. A further possibility is the introduction of a landfill tax at National level, with redistribution of funds to local authorities to help fulfill their obligations under the Waste Management Act.

9.3.12 Procurement Policy

The Connaught Local Authorities shall encourage and harness private sector involvement in all aspects of the Strategy to maximise partnership, efficiency, and cost recovery for waste services.

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The provision of infrastructure recommended by this Strategy shall be the subject of EU Procurement procedures to ensure that value for money schemes are implemented for the overall good of the Connaught region.

9.4 SITING OF WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES

The following waste management facilities shall be sited according to best international practice or relevant guidelines.

9.4.1 Landfills

The siting of new landfills shall be carried out according to the Draft EPA Manual on Landfill Site Selection. This document provides guidance on the selection of a landfill site and assists in assessing the impact of a landfill on the surrounding environment. It states that possible landfill site locations should be selected having regard to the following exclusionary factors: -

regionally important aquifers

airports

floodplains

proposed Natural Heritage Areas or other environmentally related designations

geologically unsuitable areas

areas of high amenity or high archaeological interest (international, national or regional interest)

The Draft Manual also outlines a staged process of considering an initial desk study, exclusionary factors, selecting siting criteria, finding generally suitable areas towards the shortlisting of sites using the siting criteria. The overall assessment should use a mixture of qualitative and quantitative appraisal.

The Draft EPA Manual requires that public consultation takes place during the course of waste management strategies and plans. In particular, during critical stages of a landfill site selection process, it is recommended that Elected Member Consultation take place in the local authority concerned. The consultation, in turn, will assist in informing local people of the process.

9.4.2 Transfer Stations/Recycling Centres

There are no national or international guidelines on the siting of such facilities. However the siting of such facilities should have regard to the following site selection criteria:

The facility to be placed within the urban area or as near as possible to it

If development zoning exists an area zoned industrial is preferable

Location of facility to be convenient to majority of householders

Particular regard to be had to traffic considerations

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9.4.3 Thermal Treatment Facility

Guidance on the selection of such facilities shall be taken from relevant legislation and best international practice. The primary pieces of legislation are:-

Waste Management Act, 1996

EU Proposal for a Council Directive on the Incineration of Waste 1998

Similar to the siting of landfills the first step in a siting process should be the identification of exclusionary factors which would prohibit the siting of a facility in these excluded areas. These areas having been identified the next step should be to identify relevant siting criteria to assist with the selection of potentially suitable areas.

9.5 OUTLINE OF FUTURE WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY

The future waste management policy to be implemented in the Connaught Region is outlined in Table 9.1 overleaf. The collection, treatment and disposal systems for the various waste streams included in the model are described in Chapter 12.

Columns with the same information are indicative of ongoing installation of collection, treatment and disposal systems.

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Table 9.1: Scenario III Maximum Landfill Diversion Through Fastest Possible Implementation of Maximum Recycling and Thermal TreatmentCollection

Period: 1999-2000 2001-2002 2003-2006 2007-2009 2010-2014

Households Exist. bring banks in all counties

Door to door collection of recyclables in urban areas. Bring banks in all rural areas




Recycling centres in all areas Recycling centres in all areas

Recycling centres in all areas

Recycling centres in all areas

Dual collection 100% coverage in urban areas50% coverage in rural areas

Dual collection100% coverage in urban areas50% coverage in rural areas

Dual collection100% coverage in urban areas50% coverage in rural areas

Ordinary collection in all areas

Ordinary collection in all areas Ordinary collection in small villages and rural areas

Ordinary collection in small villages and rural areas

Ordinary collection in small villages and rural areas

Commercial Existing recycling system in use

Extended recycling system Extended recycling system Extended recycling system Extended recycling system

Industry Existing recycling system in use

Extended recycling system Extended recycling system Extended recycling system Extended recycling system

C and D Existing scheme in use for construction and demolition waste

Source separation scheme for C&D waste. Surplus soil separated at source




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Table 9.1 (Cont.)

Treatment and Disposal Period

Period: 1999-2000 2001-2002 2003-2006 2007-2009 2010-2014

Households Exist. facility in use

MRF, Materials Recovery Facility replaces existing in Galway and Sligo

MRF, Materials Recovery Facility for recyclables

MRF, Materials Recovery Facility, Door to door collected recyclables

MRF, Materials Recovery Facility, Door to door collected recyclables

New composting plants for garden waste - Galway , Ballinasloe, Castlebar, Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon and Roscommon

Composting plants for garden waste - Galway , Ballinasloe, Castlebar, Sligo, Carrick-0n-Shannon and Roscommon

Composting plants for garden waste - Galway - Ballinasloe

Composting plants for garden waste - Galway - Ballinasloe

New biological treatment plant for organic kitchen waste – Tuam & Sligo

Biological treatment plant for organic kitchen waste

Biological treatment plant for organic kitchen waste

Thermal plant in Galway City/Environs



Existing landfills Existing landfills Ballinasloe landfill

(to end 2005) New landfills East Galway (from 2006) & North Connaught

New landfills East Galway and North Connaught

New landfill East Galway and North Connaught

Commercial Exist. facilities in use

Private recyclers extend reception capacity Private recyclers extend reception capacity

Private recyclers extend reception capacity

Private recyclers extend reception capacity

Industry Exist. facilities in use

Private recyclers extend reception capacity Private recyclers Private recyclers Private recyclers

C and D Treatment facility close to Galway City and mobile plant servicing counties, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim

Treatment facility close to Galway City and mobile plant servicing counties, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim



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10 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

10.1 INTRODUCTION

The new initiatives required to meet the requirements of the Connaught Waste Management Plan will involve significant new investment. These costs will be borne by all beneficiaries of the system in line with the government policy of the polluter pays. This chapter summarises the costs of implementing the Plan and gives a brief overview of how these costs might be recovered.

10.2 ECONOMIC EVALUATION

The three scenarios considered for the management of Connaught’s waste were evaluated using the waste model. The three waste management scenarios have the following Net Present Values (NPVs) using a discount rate of 2.8 percent (standard interest rate of 5% less 2.2 % inflation):

Scenario 1 – IR £ 276,659,561 Scenario 2 – IR £ 304,117,036 Scenario 3 – IR £ 299,424,087

Scenario 1, maximum realistic recycling with landfill only, has the least costs but does not meet the new National target to divert 50 % of household waste from landfill. While Scenario 3 is not the cheapest option the cost difference is quite small and as has been shown above to be the most environmentally acceptable option. Therefore scenario 3 appears as the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO).

The Net Present Values of the three scenarios are presented in Table 10.1 below. NPV can be defined as the entire stream of costs and benefits over the lifetime of a project combined by discounting into a single present worth. Costs are treated as negative money flows and benefits as positive money flows. It is based on the assumption that money is worth more today than in the future. This is because money received now can be invested to earn interest or to repay a loan and thereby save on interest. The NPV therefore gives the discounted value of future payments. The discount rate used is the standard interest rate minus the inflation rate. The discounted revenues less the discounted costs are therefore summed to obtain the NPV.

All scenarios include a transfer station and a biological treatment plant using anaerobic digestion of organic kitchen wastes producing biogas.

Table 10.1: Breakdown of Net Present Values of Each ScenarioNPV (IR£) Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3

Transport -82,266,147 -92,045,182 -89,872,628Collection - operation -58,895,497 -45,962,839 -58,895,497Collection - capital -10,650,547 -10,081,203 -10,744,363Recycling & Recovery- operation -23,079,315 -53,448,689 -45,871,270Recycling and Recovery- capital -21,240,910 -44,847,708 -39,351,819Disposal- operation -24,594,679 -21,982,610 -21,842,842Disposal- capital -47,270,714 -39,432,503 -39,432,503Special Waste -26,355,746 -26,355,746 -26,355,746Revenues from sale 17,693,994 30,039,445 32,942,581TOTAL -276,659,561 -304,117,036 -299,424,087

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Further cost comparisons can be made by looking into the annual costs, investments and the revenue from sale of recyclable materials and energy. These figures are presented in Table 10.2.

Table 10.2: Annual Average Costs, Total Investments and Total RevenueIR£ 1999 Prices Average annual costs Total investments Revenue from saleScenario 1 22,883,839 113,831,930 17,693,994Scenario 2 25,924,629 134,193,303 30,039,445Scenario 3 25,569,510 143,913,790 32,942,581

10.3 COST RECOVERY AND MARKET CREATION

There a number of economic instruments which can be used to recover costs under the polluter pays principle. The overall Net Present Value of the recommended solution over a 15-year period is estimated as being almost IR £300 m. Current levels of cost recovery by the local authorities are only in the region of 50%. An efficient and equitable way of recovering the costs of the new facilities and regulatory arrangements must be put in place.

A number of economic instruments were evaluated in the context of recovering the costs of the new waste management system. The principal aim of economic instruments for waste management is to ‘internalise’ the external costs of waste treatment and disposal, i.e., to apply a monetary value to the environmental costs of waste treatment and disposal. Ideally, the ‘corrected’ prices give consumers and producers the right incentives and this results in the ‘optimal’ use of the various waste facilities and in waste reduction. The detailed evaluation is contained in the Connaught Waste Strategy Study Report which is available in all public libraries in the province.

Economic instruments have the two following objectives:

to ensure that the costs of providing waste management services are recovered

to influence the behaviour of waste producers in order to achieve waste policy targets (such as waste minimisation, control of waste flow).

The economic instruments considered as part of the optimum economic approach were as follows:-

Service charges (use-related)

Landfill Tax

Product or Packaging Taxes

Taxes on Primary (not recycled) Raw Materials

Recycling Credits

Subsidies

Producer Responsibility

Voluntary Agreements

Deposit-Refund Schemes

Based on this evaluation it is recommended that the future waste management costs in the Connaught region are borne by all waste producers. Use-related charges are deemed a fairer system as they will contribute to waste reduction efforts. The national introduction of a

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landfill disposal tax (as operated in the UK, France and Denmark) in combination with lower taxes or subsidies on waste treatment and recycling should be seriously examined as it is an economically efficient system.

At a local level the Connaught Authorities can divert waste from landfill and encourage recycling by setting the disposal gate fee at a high level and providing assistance to recycling organisations through market creation and possibly financial assistance.

10.4 MARKET CREATION

The waste policy shall encourage the promotion of recycled products to achieve higher levels of recycling, regardless of which economic instrument is chosen. Market creation is a necessary condition for the establishment and development of recycling activities. The recycling business depends on the ability to sell recycled products at a reasonable price. If the markets for recycled materials are too small, recycling can only continue with substantial subsidies, which is not efficient and may not be sustainable in the long term.

A first step in market creation will be for local authorities to use recycled products in their offices. If a recycling business can rely on the sales to the authorities, it can afford to take the risk of investing in the necessary equipment, provided the initial investment is not prohibitively expensive. Work in the US and also in Scotland is taking a new approach to market creation by investigating new applications for recycling materials that lie outside the industry that first produced the material. The Regional Industrial Waste Management Officer will play a major role in this area by gathering data on industry in terms of the structure of local industry, raw materials usage, existing markets and overcoming problems utilising alternative materials.

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11.PROVISION OF SERVICES AND WASTE REGULATION BY THE CONNAUGHT LOCAL AUTHORITIES

11.1 INTRODUCTION

The Waste Management Act, 1996 defines the responsibility of the local authorities and other regulatory bodies with regard to waste management. Local authorities have significant powers under the Act and have a duty to prepare, implement and monitor the success of Waste Management Plans, either individually or as part of a regional grouping. Local authorities have obligations and powers of enforcement in terms of collection, recovery and disposal of waste.

Over and above these requirements, there is a need for the Local Authority to provide a high level of service to the public. This means being in a position to give information on the waste management system, to provide assistance and instruction to the public, to monitor success of the system in place and respond to the need for improvement or modification. The success of waste minimisation initiatives and new collection or recycling schemes hinges on the ability of the local authority to get broad public understanding and support for these initiatives.

11.2 WASTE REGULATION

The success of the waste management strategy will be greatly influenced by waste regulation and enforcement of regulations by local authorities and other relevant bodies. The Waste Management Act, 1996 is being brought into law by a series of Regulations. The compliance and enforcement of these Regulations in many cases rests with the local authorities and the following are particularly relevant in this regard.

Waste Management (Register) Regulations, 1997 Waste Management (Planning) Regulations, 1997 Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations, 1997 Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, 1997 Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations, 1997 Waste Management (Permit) Regulations, 1998 Waste Management (Hazardous Waste/Transfrontier Shipment of Waste) Regulations,

‘98 Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations, 1998

Many of these Regulations impose specific obligations on the local authority. This Plan has been prepared according to the Planning Regulations which outline how a local authority or group of local authorities should prepare a waste management plan and their responsibility under Section 22 of the Act. The Licensing Regulations set out the procedures for the making of licence applications, reviews of licences etc. and prescribe the day upon which specified classes of waste disposal activity require a waste licence. The responsibility for granting licenses under these Regulations rests with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However the local authorities must obtain licenses and operate waste disposal facilities in accordance with these Regulations. The local authorities are also responsible for enforcing the Packaging Regulations, which impose obligations on all producers of packaging waste to make this waste available for recovery.

Under the Waste Management Plan the Local authorities shall carry out regular reviews of the waste regulation which is put in place to assess performance. For example the degree of compliance with bye-laws, and collection permits must be addressed. A review of the data available on waste streams is required to check performance of segregation schemes. Surveys must be undertaken of waste inputs and outputs at treatment facilities and waste presentation at the collection stage. Where non-compliance with bye-laws, permits or other agreements is found, the local authority may issue warnings, carry out follow-up inspections, issue fines and commercial penalties, and ultimately have recourse to legal remedy.

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Table 11.1: Waste Management Regulations Following on 1996 Waste Management Act. Summary of Implications for Local Authorities.Waste Management Regulations Local Authority Obligations (summary)Packaging RegulationsSI No. 242 of 1997

Prepare and maintain list of relevant companiesIssue notices requesting packaging reports/ Review of packaging reportsMaintain up to date Local Authority Register (contains applications for authorisations, and registration details)Confirm compliance OR membership of ‘approved bodies’ (REPAK) (see section 7).

Waste Collection Permit Regulations(not yet issued)

These regulations are expected to place the following obligations on the Local Authority:Assess and review applications from waste collectors and recyclers for collection permits. Assess details such as suitability of premises and equipment, tonnages collected, recovery and disposal customers.Prepare and issue individual permits to applicants, specifying conditions of operation.Review permits on annual basis. Issue notices or proceedings under Act if required.

Farm Plastics RegulationsSI No. 315 of 1997

Registration of relevant companies, maintenance of up to date register.Issuing of notices of request for information(similar duties as for packaging regulations)

Permit RegulationsSI No. 165 of 1998

(Relevant to smaller scale waste recovery and disposal operations such as Scrap collection, small incinerators, composting)Process and review permit applications, confirm details provided, review submissions from public etc.Visit and assess environmental impact of facilityDraw up permit and specify conditions for activity

Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture Regs.SI No 148 of 1998

Ensure compliance with detail of regulation (specific details re. Land use, conditions for untreated sludge, etc.)Monitor land use, soil and groundwater quality on lands used for disposal- ensure no environmental impactReview sludge analysis information regularlySet-up and maintain detailed sludge register (lands used, contractor, quantities disposed of etc.)

Register RegulationsSI No. 183 of 1997

Draw up and maintain official register of all applications for Waste Collection permitsAdd to register details of official notices served or proceedings brought under the Waste Management Act 1996

‘Hazardous Waste’ RegulationsSI No. 147 of 1998

Maintain records with regard to consignments of hazardous wasteProvide the EPA with these records on a regular basis as requested.

Planning RegulationsSI No. 137 of 1997

Draw up statutory Plan every five years. Include detailed review of current waste management system as required.Implement waste plan recommendations. Review performance of waste plan on regular basis.

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11.3 OBLIGATIONS AND POWERS UNDER THE WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT, 1996

11.3.1 Local Authorities

The local authorities have obligations under the Waste Management Act regarding the collection, recovery, and disposal of waste. In addition to these obligations they have increased powers of enforcement to facilitate waste segregation, data collection and other measures necessary to reach national targets for waste recycling and recovery. The most relevant responsibilities of the local authority are outlined below.

Waste Collection: A local authority under Section 33 of the Act must collect or arrange for the collection of household waste within its functional area. If the waste is collected by private collectors these collectors will be required to apply for a waste collection permit from the Local Authority, (Regulations from Dept. of Environment and Local Government are imminent). It is anticipated that the local authority will be able to specify certain requirements as conditions of permitting. These could include for example: what types of collection vehicle is used, to what destinations waste can be taken or transferred, what types of receptacles are used, what types of segregation is carried out on the waste before treatment etc. These conditions could be tailored to compliment and back-up a system for collection of uncontaminated organic waste for biological treatment, or combustible waste for a thermal treatment facility. Furthermore, the collector will be required to supply data on quantities and types of waste handled by the collector as a condition of permit renewal.

Waste Recovery and Disposal: The local authority has an obligation to provide or arrange for recovery (including recycling) and disposal of household waste and may do so for commercial waste. It can discharge these arrangements by operating the necessary facilities itself or by making agreements with private enterprises to do so on its behalf. The local authority can regulate such facilities through legal contract. The conditions of such a contract could include for example: the facility must have a current waste licence, the limits for upper or lower capacity of the facility, maintenance of an approved system of records, minimum degree of recovery and performance achieved.

Construction and Demolition Waste: Sections 31, 33, and 38 of the 1996 Waste Management Act allow the local authority to provide or allow for collection, recovery and disposal of this waste stream. Regulation and enforcement on a day to day level is vital in the Connaught region if the present informal methods of disposal are to be replaced by recycling at a licensed facility.

Bye-laws: The local authority can introduce bye-laws aimed at producers of household or commercial waste, specifying for example how waste should be presented for collection. These can dictate the type of container to be used, how it is to be collected, the quantity of waste allowed, what types of waste are not suitable, etc. It is also possible under Section 35 of the Act to make a bye-law requiring waste producers to present waste for collection providing a waste collection service is available to them. This has particular relevance in Connaught where in some localities the number of households availing of the collection service is low. The success of the future waste management strategy is strongly influenced by waste producers availing of the new services available. Bye-laws can therefore complement and re-enforce the system for segregation of waste destined for recycling or other treatment.

The current organisational arrangements and responsibilities within the Connaught local authorities with regard to waste management are illustrated in the following charts:-

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Typical Local Authority Structure

*Input into waste/environmental decisions made at this level ** Assistant Manager delegated ‘waste’ managerial functions by Co. Manager

Typical Urban District Council Structure

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Elected Members

Assistant Manager

Town EngineerTown Clerk

Elected Members*

County/City Manager*

Assistant Manager*

County/City Secretary County/City Engineer*

Senior Executive Engineers*Executive EngineersAssistant Engineers

Administrative SectorGrades 2-6


11.3.2 Other public Authorities

The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has an important role in waste management as laid down in the Waste Management Act, 1996 and the Environmental Agency Act, 1992. In particular it is responsible for the making of a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan and the licensing of waste recovery and disposal facilities. The Agency also promotes good environmental practice through the integrated pollution control licence (IPC) under which certain specified industries are required to hold in order to continue operation. The possibility of extending the functions of the EPA exists in Section 21 of the Act which states that “The Minister may following consultation with the Agency, where he or she is satisfied that any function conferred on a local authority by the Act could be more effectively performed by the Agency, in lieu of being performed by that authority, by regulations provide that the function shall be performed by the Agency with effect from a date specified in the regulations.”

11.4 COMMUNITY/PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The National Waste Policy recognises that “mobilisation of public support and participation” is necessary for a successful strategy. The local authority has traditionally been identified with collection and disposal but its efforts towards recycling have been ignored. However, under the new legislative framework, local authorities have the obligation to engage in total waste planning to include waste minimisation, recycling, recovery and disposal.

To facilitate community based support for the waste strategy, it is necessary to gain trust by communicating and involving local groups in a proactive way. In particular attention needs to be focussed on what the public can do to participate in waste minimisation in their own homes, and achieve recycling in the community. For example new public facilities such as Waste Recycling Centres should be heralded by the local authorities. The public must be kept in touch of how the strategy is progressing and on what advances have been made.

People must see that the Connaught Waste Management Plan is not centred on landfilling but is moving to a more sustainable system. This does not reduce the onus on local authorities to implement improvements to existing landfills and other facilities. In general the management of existing facilities has not been helpful to public confidence in the waste management system. This is beginning to improve through the waste licensing requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency. Existing and new waste facilitates must be maintained to high standards.

The capability to listen to, assess, and respond fairly to public complaints and criticism is also required if the local authority is to meet its new role.

Over and above the role of the Connaught local authorities in providing information regarding waste management the public will have increased responsibilities over the Plan period. There will be a responsibility to present waste in a specified manner, to segregate waste and to partake in the collection system. Waste minimisation will be a primary objective of the Plan and the public will be expected to strive to reduce as far as possible waste production and to participate in initiatives to achieve waste minimisation. The increased level of service will result in increased cost and it is government policy that these costs be recovered under the polluter pays principle. This means that all waste producers i.e the public, industry and commercial enterprises will have to bear the costs.

11.5 PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT

Historically, local authorities have developed, managed and operated the collection and landfill disposal facilities for municipal waste entirely within their own ownership. The wide range of recycling, recovery and disposal facilities required to implement the Connaught Waste Management Plan will require very substantial financial investment. The Connaught local authorities may have difficulty in providing the necessary capital for these investments and are likely to require some sort of private sector involvement.

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When providing new facilities, therefore, a number of issues may need to be considered including:-

How the plants will be financed

The owner-operator relationship

The day to day management

The siting of new facilities with particular regard to public attitudes to the location of landfills, thermal treatment plants, etc.

In Connaught it is recommended that the use of these facilities be shared between the local authorities which will have the following advantages:-

Financial benefits due to economies of scale

Increased options for siting of facilities and the possibilities for management of environmental impacts

The ability to implement more advanced technologies for a single large-scale facility

A formal agreement will be required between the local authorities to implement an integrated approach to shared facilities. This could be achieved through a number of options including:-

Lead Authority and Co-operation Agreements: traditionally, in Ireland local authorities have shared common facilities developed by one authority as lead authority and services were provided to other authorities through service agreements. While this approach can be satisfactory for utilisation of a particular facility, it is weak from a regional strategic management point of view. Such an arrangement confers primary responsibility and authority on the lead organisation with little effective control by the other authorities

New Waste Management Utility; would involve the setting up of a regional waste management authority to take over responsibility for waste management planning and the operation of central facilities. In this arrangement, individual authorities would retain responsibility for local collection services. This new utility organisation would have to be established by legislative enactment

Joint Venture Company; the authorities could establish a joint venture company to operate facilities on their behalf. Such a company could be wholly owned by the local authorities which would ensure retention of control and some financial responsibility. The authorities could devolve financial liability for the functions to the J.V. company. This approach may limit the ability of the authorities to exercise direct public regulation and control

The larger facilities to be provided in the Region such as thermal and biological treatment plants and transfer stations shall be procured under the EU Procurement procedures. EU Procurement Directives determine the cost levels for construction contracts and services contracts, which must be allocated based on EU competition. The procurement of waste-to-energy facilities and services will in practice fall within these limits (ECU 5,000,000 and ECU 400,000 respectively).

There are a number of alternative models for procurement which can be observed in the industry. These are as follows:

Local Authority provides facility and service

Developer provides facility and service (DBFO)

Local Authority owned and financed, developer designs, builds and operates (DBO)

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Public Private Partnerships

Local Authority Provides Facility and ServiceIn this case the local authority designs, builds, raises funds for, owns, operates and repairs the facility which is run by local authority staff.

Advantages:

1. Traditional, well-established method of operating. Well understood by all involved, little uncertainty.

2. Significant competition due to a large number of developers competing on similar and well understood terms.

3. Can be least expensive method for local authority (benefits not shared with developer).

4. Direct public control of vital services: Local authority has direct ownership of facility, employees and service. Responsive to local needs.

5. Most direct means of seeing that the public interest is served.

6. Low cost of capital – local authority can often borrow at very competitive rates.

Disadvantages:

1. Local Authority bears all the risks – construction, operation, financing and the criticism, if deadline targets are not met.

2. Irish local authorities have little expertise and no experience in thermal treatment.

3. Requires large commitment of time and resources.

4. Procurement, competitive bidding, and public approval of site selection may be slower than private sector equivalents.

5. Lack of flexibility if needed for service variations.

Developer Provides Facility and ServiceIn this case the developer has total responsibility by contract (design, finance, build, own, hire employees, operate, repair, sell energy) for project. Developer pays all costs associated with the project including financing it. Local Authority makes payment to developer for service received on an incentive basis.

Advantages:

Minimises demand on Local authority’s managerial time, etc. - local authority’s primary obligations are to structure the arrangement and select the developer; then to make payments and monitor performance.

Most of the risk to the Local authority may be shifted to the private sector (construction risk, financing risk, technical risk).

“One stop shopping”: Local Authority contracts directly for a desired result rather than putting projects together itself. If service isn’t provided, Local authority may not need to pay.

Division of tasks: Developer specialising in waste-to-energy projects will have greater expertise and be more capable of completing the task than a Local authority which has a wide range of public responsibilities.

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Developer can more easily meet payroll costs necessary to get the skilled technical people necessary for the best operation of a complex project.

Greater perceived efficiency of the private sector than the local authority sector due to profit motive, competition, generally more flexibility, ability to move quickly.

Potential ability to change service providers by not renewing contract.

Perception that private sector should supply the service (rather than local authority) if private sector can do so on comparable terms.

Disadvantages:

1. Private sector provision of facilities and services can be more difficult to structure than Local authority methods of providing facilities and services, thus involving more uncertainty and risks.

2. Substantial involvement of another party may increase the total cost to the citizens.

3. Removal of important public projects/services from direct public control may mean a lack of responsiveness to public needs.

4. The quality of service required by the local authority and expected by its citizens will be difficult to specify and enforce, and the service contract cannot cover all eventualities over a 10-20 year term.

5. Risks may not be shifted away from the local authority: As a practical matter, the local authority may have to step in to provide essential services/run projects/provide funds if the developer loses money, fails to perform as required, or goes bankrupt.

Local Authority Owned and Financed – Developer Builds and OperatesThis options is part way between traditional local authority development, ownership and operation of a project and a ”privatised” full-service developer contract. - In one common approach, a private developer will design, build, operate and maintain a project and assume many of the risks. The local authority will own and finance the project. This structure can be accomplished through:

1. A design/operate contract with a developer.

2. An instalment purchase or lease from the developer that builds and operates the project to the local authority.

3. A lease by the local authority to the developer who operates the facility for the local authority.

Advantages

1. Allows the local authority to obtain many of the advantages of third-party development and operation of projects without many of the disadvantages.

2. Getting the experience in design, construction and operation of a developer specialising in waste-to-energy projects.

3. Shifting more of the risks away from the local authority and to the developer.

4. The developer will assume responsibility that the facility will be designed and built correctly and will operate as expected.

5. Avoids the local authority having to ”pay twice” because it can only obtain the facility at the end of the contract at its then fair market value.

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Disadvantages

1. In return for the developer taking many of the risks a higher contract may result.

2. Developer’s profit motive may conflict with and may jeopardise the goal of the local authority to serve the public interest.

3. For the project operation to be successful will require strong local authority regulation e.g. through waste collection regulations.

Public Private PartnershipsGovernment policy as outlined in the Policy Statement ‘Changing our Ways’ (1998) is favouring private sector involvement and in this regard the Department of Environment and Local Government have established a Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Unit to provide advice on public private partnerships arrangements in the waste sector. The particular mechanisms that will apply in the operation of PPP to waste management projects have not been finalised but it is expected that guidelines will be issued in the next few months.

In line with this policy the Galway Local Authorities have commenced procedures for involving the private sector in the procurement of waste management facilities in the region. The procurement of the first Waste Recycling Centre and Transfer Station in Galway has commenced. The tendering and procurement processes for these and other facilities in the Region shall have due regard to any guidelines issued by the Department of Environment and Local Government during the life of the Plan.

11.6 DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING

There will be a requirement on each local authority to prepare and present information relating to waste management within its functional area – waste collection, disposal facilities, recycling facilities etc. to the Environmental Protection Agency more frequently than at present. The EPA on behalf of the DOELG have to gather statistics on waste required under various EU waste directives such as packaging, waste and hazardous waste etc. These directives require that information is supplied to the Commission on specified reporting dates. This information forms part of an overall National Waste Reporting System, which will be used by the EPA to monitor Irelands performance nationally, which can then be reviewed in an EU context.

This responsibility requires resources for collecting information from collectors and recyclers (through the collection permit system) and from treatment and disposal facilities. Such detailed waste auditing should provide a continuous mass flow analysis of how waste is managed from producer to final disposal. These obligations will require resources whether or not the Local Authority itself is involved in day to day handling of wastes. Data collected from private sector waste collectors and recyclers must be processed and confirmed.

Waste characterisation surveys shall also be carried out. These provide useful information such as: the waste generation per household or premises, the composition of household or commercial waste (detailing for example the amount of organic, combustible, recyclable waste), the success of schemes aimed at waste segregation or waste minimisation. The EPA also collect and assimilate such information from all local authorities as part of the National Waste Database.

If the local authority is operating its own disposal facility (as is the case with most of the Connaught authorities) the officers must collect and process information on what waste is being accepted, provide reporting on annual intake etc.

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11.7 SERVICE ROLE

The new waste management system will require the local authorities in the region to take a very proactive role in customer service. Information, guidance and support will have to be given to the general public and other waste producers to ensure their participation in waste minimisation, source segregation, recycling and recovery activities. This requires the establishment and maintenance of an information database and reporting system by means of which the public both directly and through the media can be informed.

The public relations role of the local authority may be discharged through various media such as advertising, distribution of pamphlets, educational aids aimed at schools etc. The type of campaigns involved could include:

collection schemes for household waste

guidance on source segregation of waste

the presentation of waste for collection

locations and availability of recycling centres

packaging waste – obligations and opportunities to recover

The Environmental Awareness Officers will play an important role in communicating this information to waste producers. An efficient and friendly service to the public embracing both dissemination of information and responding to complaints is essential to the successful implementation of the waste plan.

In promoting recycling and waste reduction, public information plays a critical role. Such information can usefully be provided for example through visits to schools, displays at libraries and meetings with residents associations. In this way, concepts for improved collection and recycling can be developed.

In relation to commercial waste, it is considered necessary to have publications which can provide information to customers on collection schemes, regulations and bye-laws, the names and addresses of waste collection firms, recovery or disposal facilities and suitable outlets for different kinds of waste.

11.8 ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The waste management services sections in the six Local Authorities shall be re-organised and extended. This is in order to meet the requirements of the Waste Management Act, 1996 and to effectively implement the waste management plan. This will require a substantial increase in resources including human and other corporate resources within the Connaught Region.

In terms of additional Staff Resources, new ‘Waste Services Departments’ shall be organised to fulfil the following new functions to ensure compliance with new waste legislation. These departments will require the following new officers for planning regulation.

Waste Planning and Regulation - Galway - 3 new officers in the County area and 2 in the City area.- Mayo - 2 new officers- Sligo - 1 new officer- Roscommon - 1 new officer - Leitrim - 1 new officer

Such positions should be filled by suitably qualified candidates following public advertisement. In addition, the importance of staff training needs to be recognised and funded.

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In addition, the following initiatives shall be pursued by the local authorities:-

Immediate attention should be paid to Implementation and Enforcement of the Packaging Regulations. This is essential to meet the recycling targets.

Waste separation, presentation and collection bye-laws shall be made by the local authorities to provide legal underpinning to encourage waste recycling. This is particularly true in the case of priority waste streams such as packaging and construction/demolition waste.

All counties shall appoint an Environmental Awareness Officer to assist with improving the level of service offered by the local authorities to the public (Sligo/Leitrim may wish to share any officer between them initially).

Waste Regulation must be operated on an even and consistent basis throughout the region to be fair to private sector enterprises and to the general public. This requires close co-operation between the regulatory officers within the six Local Authorities.

Connaught local authorities shall organise themselves into a coherent Waste Management Regional Implementation Group or Company with the principal aims of implementing the strategy recommendations.

Having regard to procurement policy and lack of operational experience of thermal treatment by local authorities the Public Private Partnership (PPP) procedure shall be used for procurement seeking DBO or DBFO arrangements depending on funding arrangements.

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12 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONNAUGHT WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

The implementation of the Connaught Waste Management Plan is outlined below based on the detailed Scenario 3 option which is outlined in Chapter 9. The indicative locations of the proposed facilities for the region are also shown on Figure 12.1, and an implementation schedule is presented in Figure 12.2.

12.1 WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM

Door to Door collection (‘kerbside’ system) of recyclables commencing in 2000 with source segregation to be introduced in all urban areas aiming to eventually cover approximately 50% of households in the region. Collection vehicles servicing Materials Recovery Facilities in Galway and Sligo. Initially this collection system can be implemented in the following larger towns based on numbers of households:

Galway Galway City, Tuam, Ballinasloe, Oranmore, AthenryMayo: Ballina, Castlebar, Westport, ClaremorrisRoscommon: Roscommon, Boyle, Castlerea, Sligo: Sligo TownLeitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon

Extension and Upgrading of Bring-Bank network in rural areas. Banks to be provided in all towns not serviced by Door to Door collection, and all villages in the region, with a target density of one bank per 500 population. Upgrading of existing Banks to conform to higher standard of appearance and signage. Capability of collecting glass, aluminium cans and packaging such as PET bottles to be implemented as far as possible based on capacity of MRFs.

Provision and servicing of Bring Banks to be via a new Model Form Contract procured after tendering, with Banks operating from MRFs in Sligo and Galway.

Provision of a network of 21 No. Waste Recycling Stations throughout the region. This will commence immediately and will be completed by 2003. These will be based on stand-alone civic amenity sites with a high level of appearance and permanently staffed. The stations may cater for the collection of the following waste streams:

Recyclable wastes Glass, metal, packaging etc. (feed to local MRF)Bulky waste Fridges, cookers, etc.Priority/ Hazardous waste batteries, waste oils, etc. Green garden waste Feed to local green waste recycling facilityLight C / D waste Feed to local C/D waste recycling area.

The recycling stations will be provided at the following locations.

Galway: Galway City (2), Clifden, Tuam, Ballinasloe, and Athenry.Mayo: Castlebar, Ballina, Westport, Claremorris, Belmullet.Roscommon: Roscommon, Castlerea, Boyle, Ballaghadereen and Athlone.Sligo: Tubbercurry, Sligo.Leitrim: Manorhamilton, Carrick – on – Shannon, Ballinamore.

Siting of such stations should be close to the waste production centre (town) rather than necessarily at an existing disposal facility.

Source segregation and dual collection of organic waste fraction starting from 2003. Achieving dual collection coverage in all urban areas, extending system to cover 50 %

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of all rural areas. This may run as a waste collection on alternate weeks for the organic and residual fraction.

Source separation and extended recycling system of the waste stream for commercial, industrial, and construction/demolition waste in accordance with new bye-laws to be introduced under the Waste Management Act, 1996. Recyclable waste from commerce and industry to feed to Materials Recycling Facilities.

The collection of recyclables shall be matched by the provision of recycling reception and sorting facilities. Provision has been made for the development of new facilities in Galway and Sligo. Ultimately, recycling implies re-use of the materials through the development of sustainable markets for the collected products. At present, satisfactory markets exist for glass and metals. In Europe, recycled paper is sustainable under market conditions. However, this has not been the case in Ireland to date. Similarly, markets for recycling of plastics are limited to PET products. The Regional Industrial Waste Minimisation Officer will investigate new market possibilities as part of his/her brief.

With regard to new ‘bring schemes’, these will be sited appropriately in an attractive setting suitability sign-posted and should incorporate the new Connaught waste strategy logo alongside the County crest. The signage in Gaeltacht areas shall be bilingual. In addition, it is critical to the success of these schemes that the units be regularly emptied, serviced and maintained on an on-going basis.

12.2 MATERIALS RECOVERY AND RECYCLING FACILITIES

Materials Recovery Facilities. These will sort and bale recyclable waste collected from door-to-door collection systems and from bring banks. They may also process source-segregated recyclable waste (such as cardboard, glass etc.) from commerce and industry. Two larger facilities at Galway and Sligo to be complemented by facilities at Castlebar, Roscommon, and Carrick-on-Shannon which would be principally aimed at sorting and baling packaging waste from commerce/industry.

Garden ‘green’ waste composting plants to be constructed throughout the region immediately and to be in place by 2003. These are to be located in Galway City, Ballinasloe, Castlebar, Roscommon, Sligo, and Carrick-on-Shannon. These will accept organic garden waste delivered by householders to the site and green waste collected at recycling stations. The compost produced will be used directly by the local authority, in parks maintenance, site landscaping, landfill restoration etc… Facilities for the treatment of organic kitchen waste will be provided at the green waste composting facility in Galway City.

Biological treatment of organic kitchen waste will be carried out at two central treatment plants (Tuam/ Sligo), to treat centrally waste collected via dual-collection system. These plants will be operational by 2006. This will be done by composting, or by anaerobic digestion producing biogas and compost. A more detailed technical and siting report needs to be carried out to bring this recommendation forward, having regard also to agri-wastes and sewage sludge.

Home composting while not part of the modeling process is recommended as a waste minimisation option which involves the waste producer in segregation, home treatment and disposal of the residual product through utilisation of the compost. However, its success requires a high level of motivation, detailed information and advice to the householder. It may also be desirable to subsidise the provision of suitable composting units.

Construction and demolition (C/D) waste recycling facilities, one facility close to Galway City. Other areas served by mobile plant recycling stockpiled C/D waste at defined locations in Region (see 12.6 )

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Implementation of the Aran Islands Recycling Scheme including introduction of IR£1 environmental levy on visitors to the islands in accordance with the ‘polluter pays principle’.

All future developments in the region will be expected to take account of the provisions of this Regional Waste Management Plan, whether the proposed development is at household, commercial or industrial level or in the agricultural sector. This will include the need to adhere to waste prevention and minimisation, provision of waste recycling facilities, and the capacity for source-segregation.

In general the Council may require the provision of recycling facilities in new developments.

12.3 TREATMENT AND ENERGY RECOVERY FACILITIES

Thermal treatment of the residual combustible waste stream with energy recovery is recommended with construction of the plant to commence in 2003. One plant to be situated at Galway City or Environs serving the region. This plant will cater for combustible waste from other transfer stations. Estimated nominal capacity of 150,000 -200,000 tonnes per annum. This plant to undergo siting, planning and procurement procedure and to be commissioned by the end of 2005.

The technical assessment of thermal treatment indicates that it will satisfy the National Policy requirement for diversion of waste from landfill. It will provide a cost effective treatment system in the context of the Connaught Region, will greatly increase the security of the waste management system, and with energy recovery is favoured on environmental criteria compared with landfill disposal. The siting criteria for the plant to have regard to most efficient use of heat/ energy, transportation, industrial zoning and other relevant factors.

A separate Report on Thermal Treatment (September 1998) has been completed by Galway Corporation and Galway County Council. This report looks in more detail at available technologies, energy usage and environmental aspects. It also identifies the area of Galway City and Environs where a thermal treatment plant may be sited together with exclusionary areas (residential zonings, airport proximity, Natural Heritage Areas, etc.) (Figure 12.3 overleaf). It recommends proceeding to the EU Procurement Process for early provision of such a plant by means of Public Private Partnership (PPP) as favoured by current Government policy.

Criteria which shall apply to thermal treatment include:-

Siting criteria including central location close to the waste production centre of gravity, proximity to energy users, ideally users of heat, reasonable road access, appropriate development zoning and availability of cooling water and provision for it’s disposal.

The procurement process should enable the most up-to-date technologies to be availed of in terms of reliability and robustness of the facility, reduction of residuals, high standard of atmospheric emissions and general public safety at a competitive cost.

The substantial capital cost will require appropriate EU procurement methods to be considered which may include private finance/concession type contracts.

The contract for thermal treatment must make provision for the necessary flexibility to cater for variations in the waste stream volume and characteristics and to meet changing standards over time.

Any thermal treatment plant must be capable of meeting prevailing EU emission standards (e.g. new Proposal for a Council Directive on the Incineration of Waste- December 1998).

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12.4 BULK TRANSFER SYSTEM

The necessary bulk transfer capacity shall be developed to service the needs of the Region. This shall involve construction of transfer stations which will handle and compact combustible waste for transport in containers to the thermal treatment facility. Stations to be provided at Sligo, Castlebar, and Roscommon. Transfer stations may be constructed at same sites as Materials Recovery Facilities and/or Recycling Centres for public. A transfer shall also be provided for Galway to transfer waste to the interim landfill at Ballinasloe.

Transfer costs have been modelled using road transportation costs. Rail transportation from transfer stations is a possibility but appears to be marginally more expensive in terms of capital investments at transfer yards and haulage costs, given the relatively short distances involved. However, environmentally it may be the preferred option, making proximity to a rail line a further criterion for thermal plant and transfer station siting.

12.5 RESIDUAL DISPOSAL FACILITIES

Residual landfill disposal is required in the short term for all wastes which are not recycled, and in the long term for the residual waste stream – i.e. non-recyclable wastes, thermal treatment residues etc.

12.5.1 Short-Term Landfill Situation

The present situation in North Connaught is that many smaller landfill facilities have closed or plan to close within a 2-3 year time period. The remaining landfills will hence have an increased intake during and after 1999. Waste from Sligo town transfer station is landfilled in Co. Donegal at present, but the decision to allow this is reviewed annually by Donegal County Council, who themselves have diminishing landfill capacity, with an estimated 2-3 years capacity.

The remaining sites in the region are undergoing waste licensing applications with the Environmental Protection Agency at present. The planned improvement and extension works at Derrinumera and Rathroeen should provide adequate capacity in Co. Mayo until the new thermal treatment plant and landfill facilities are in place at least. In Co. Roscommon, upgrading of Roscommon and Ballaghadereen landfills is planned, all other sites are closed. In Co. Leitrim, Manorhamilton landfill has closed and waste license applications for Carrick-on-Shannon and Mohill set out that closure will take place in 2-3 years time (during 2002).

There is no current landfill site which has immediate potential for extension to ensure regional capacity in the Sligo/Leitrim/North Roscommon area. Roscommon landfill has possible potential for expansion. In Co. Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon landfill is considered unsuitable for extension. The Mohill landfill has greater opportunities for maximising remaining capacity, although road access is currently very poor.

It shall be the policy of the Connaught local authorities that available landfills in Counties Mayo, Roscommon and Leitrim be kept open as long as allowable under EPA waste licensing and remaining void space maximised. This will keep waste inputs at each site at a manageable rate, allowing for improvements in operation and infrastructure to be carried out according to EPA manuals. If both landfills in Co. Leitrim close and waste from Sligo is not accepted in Co. Donegal, then a possible crisis situation would result. It is therefore necessary to make decisions now and to immediately commence planning to avoid such a situation arising.

Planning, design and tender procurement for upgrading and extension of Ballinasloe landfill in light of urgent need for short to medium term landfill space in the Galway region. This facility will provide capacity for Co. Galway until the end of 2005. Carrowbrowne to be remediated and upgraded to accept waste for a 3 year period.

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Improved Operation of Interim Landfills. It is essential that day to day operation of the interim landfills be improved in the

Connaught region immediately in accordance with EPA manuals. The required improvements have been outlined in individual waste licenses applications, but each local authority must immediately take action to show better management practices and higher standards of operation. This should include: application of daily cover, control of pests and nuisances, improved fencing, improved visual appearance (litter control, better signage) infrastructural improvements (roads/ compacting equipment) and weighbridge/ data collection.

Table 12.1: Summary of Interim Landfill recommendationsCo. Galway Upgrading/Extension to Ballinasloe landfill to provide capacity for Co.

Galway until end of 2005. Carrowbrowne to be remediated and upgraded to accept waste for a 3 year period

Co. Mayo Upgrading/ Extension of Derrinumera and Rathroeen Landfills to provide capacity for Co. Mayo until Thermal treatment in Galway and new residual landfill in North Connaught in place

Co. Roscommon Roscommon and Ballaghadereen Landfills to provide interim capacity for Co. Roscommon. Extension required to Roscommon Landfill to accommodate waste from Roscommon and Leitrim.

Co Leitrim Landfills at Carrick-on-Shannon and Mohill to provide capacity for Co. Leitrim for the short term. Following closure of these sites, transfer to Roscommon landfill.

Co. Sligo Transfer to Co. Donegal to continue in short term. Failing this, transfer to Rathroeen Landfill.

12.5.2 Medium to Long-Term Landfill Capacity

In the medium to long-term, it is recommended that two regional landfill facilities be developed to service the residual landfill needs of Connaught.

Two new landfills shall be developed to handle the residual wastes for both North and South Connaught be developed. The generally preferable area for the North Connaught facility would be the Ballaghadereen/Charlestown area on the Mayo-Roscommon border.

Planning and site selection should proceed immediately in areas for both new residual landfills with a higher priority on the South Connaught facility in East County Galway due to the need to close Ballinasloe Landfill by December 2005. Figure 12.4 overleaf shows the exclusionary areas of the landfill in accordance with the EPA Manual on Landfill Site Selection.

Closure plans should be prepared for all recently closed landfills. An inventory of former landfill and other contaminated sites should be established and investigations carried out.

12.6 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE RECYCLING (C & D)

There shall be a central fixed Construction/Demolition plant in Galway City suburbs, with stockpile sites located at eight other towns in region, which would be serviced periodically by a recycling plant. Initially these sites could be set-up at existing landfills. The mobile plant may be operated based in one of the sites in question (e.g. Sligo). In the short term, the primary customer for recycled product would be the local authority: crushed aggregate to be used as raw material on development and infrastructural works, and surplus soil required for daily cover material, landfill remediation and restoration projects. Residual materials to be processed at MRFs or transfer stations within the region.

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There shall be a central plant at Galway, with regional sites at:

Galway: Tuam, BallinasloeMayo: Castlebar, BallinaRoscommon: Roscommon, BallaghadereenSligo: SligoLeitrim: Carrick – on – Shannon

The success of C/D Recycling strategy will depend on:

Economic gate fee for this material compared with the alternatives (landfill charges). Strict regulation and control of illegal dumping by enforcement of Waste Management Act,

1996 Co-operation with Planning Departments such that recycling of waste becomes a

condition of planning. Eventually introduction of waste segregation Bye-Laws aimed at all construction/

demolition works Commitment within various departments within Local Authority to reuse recycling by-

products.

It shall be necessary to develop acceptance for use of recycled C & D products by Local Authorities in construction. This shall require amendment to roadworks and other specifications by National Roads Authority/Department of the Environment and Local Government to specifically provide for these products. In the interim period there is a need at local landfills for soil (cover material) while recycled aggregate could be used for site infrastructural development. With appropriate support, it is estimated that 80% recovery of this waste stream can be achieved. The market prices for equivalent virgin materials relative to recycled products must also be kept under review.

12.7 WASTE STREAM CALCULATIONS

For the recommended policy option, the waste stream for landfill disposal is calculated for year 2013 at approximately 142,045 tonnes per year as follows:-

Table 12.2: Waste Stream For Landfill Disposal (Year 2013)Waste type Scenario III

Tonnel/yearMixed Waste from Ordinary and Dual Collection -Mixed Waste from Recycling Centres 1,106Mixed Waste from Commerce 5,747Mixed Waste from Industry 72,941Mixed Waste from Construction and demolition Activities 28,109Residues from Household Recycleables 3,151Screening Residues from Garden Waste Composting 1,935Screening Residues from Biological Treatment 2,233Sorting/Screening Residues from other recyclers 8,366Screening Residues from Crushing Plant 11,101Residues from Thermal Treatment 7,356Total 142,045

This waste disposal volume comprises the residues from the recycling facilities, sorting facilities and thermal treatment residues. There are also certain wastes which arise – mainly in industry and construction - which are not suitable for recycling or thermal treatment and must be landfilled. It assumes effective operation of all these facilities with re-use of recycled end products, being removed from the waste stream. While parts of the mixed waste streams

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contain combustible material, in practice, the mixed character of the wastes will result in the above volumes for disposal.

The waste stream calculations, however, will be hugely influenced by the implementation timetable for the various facilities and their efficiency of operation.

Waste Stream FlowsThe Connaught Waste Management Plan aims to meet the following recycling, thermal and landfill targets.

Table 12.3: Waste Stream Targets for 2013 (assuming thermal treatment in place)Source Recycling Thermal Landfill Total

Tonnes % Tonnes % Tonnes % TonnesHouseholds/Commerce 114,568 44.6 135,279 52.7 6,853 2.7 256,700Industry 44,888 27.0 48,627 29.2 72,941 43.8 166,457Construction/Demolition* 111,011 79.8 0 0.0 28,109 20.2 139,120Total 270,467 48.1 183,906 32.7 107,902 19.2 562,276

*C/D total excludes soil.

The recycling/ recovery rate for households is higher than that achievable in the industrial/ commercial sector. This is due to household waste recycling being based on a home-address/ collect system, which can achieve very high collection efficiencies, and the fact that most household waste can be recovered using combustion. The commercial / industrial recycling rates are based on this sector managing its own waste through an expansion of existing private sector schemes. This is in line with government policy to increase private sector involvement in waste management. The commercial/ industrial sector recycling will therefore be achieved primarily through enforcement of Regulations by the local authority requiring these producers to take responsibility for their own waste.

12.8 INSTITUTIONAL AND ORGANISATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The regulatory aspects of the Plan have been described in Chapter 11. The following additional resources shall be provided:-

Regulation and Planning

In terms of additional Staff Resources, new ‘Waste Services Departments’ shall be organised to fulfil the following new functions to ensure compliance with new waste legislation.

- Waste Planning and Regulation - Galway - 3 new officers in the County area and 2 in the City

area.- Mayo - 2 new officers- Sligo - 1 new officer- Roscommon - 1 new officer - Leitrim - 1 new officer

Such positions should be filled by suitably qualified candidates. In addition, the importance of staff training needs to be recognised and funded.

Immediate attention shall be paid to implementation and enforcement of the Packaging Regulations. This is essential to meet the recycling targets.

Waste separation, presentation and collection bye-laws shall be made by the local authorities to provide legal underpinning to encourage waste recycling. This is

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particularly true in the case of priority waste streams such as packaging and construction/demolition waste.

Waste Regulation shall be operated on an even and consistent basis throughout the region to be fair to private sector enterprises and to the general public. This shall require close co-operation between the regulatory officers within the six Local Authorities.

Steering GroupA Waste Implementation Steering Group consisting of members of the six participating Connaught Local Authorities shall remain in place to oversee the development of the Plan and the setting up of new structures as required to implement the Waste Management Plan. This group shall be responsible for co-ordinating the planning and implementation of the strategy, including financial co-operation on new structures, procurement procedures etc..

12.9 SUMMARY OF WASTE PLAN INFRASTRUCTURE

The Plan proposes a number of new facilities to be developed in the coming years. The land requirements of these are set out below. Table 12.4 summarises the requirements of the Connaught Region.

12.10 IMPLEMENTATION OF WASTE REDUCTION, MINIMISATION & RE-USE

Schools Programmes Targets

Within the period of the Waste Management Plan, the local authorities will strive to achieve increased participation across the region in the 'An Taisce Green Schools Programme' and/or any other programme. All schools will be encouraged to become involved in waste awareness, waste minimisation and recycling and composting programmes, and litter awareness projects. The local authorities will assess current participation in the scheme and set future involvement targets.

Community Action Plan

The Council proposes to undertake a programme aimed at fostering community involvement and ownership of waste management.

Industrial Waste and Packaging

The educational and waste minimisation role of the Council will extend to raising awareness at consumer and commercial/ industrial level about the concept of 'Producer Responsibility'.

In enforcing the Packaging Regulations, the local authorities will encourage companies to consider packaging and process design and to identify ways in which waste can be prevented or minimised, for the company itself or the product end-user. Liaison with REPAK and other approved bodies and industry representatives will be pursued in this regard.

Reuse/ Repair CentresThe local authorities will investigate the feasibility of establishing a waste reuse/ repair centre in the Region to deal with materials such as appliances, furniture, equipment and other materials with a potential for resale for reuse. Co-operation with the training and employment agency FAS and other community and charitable organisations will be sought. Based on the success of the proposals, each authority will consider further establishment of such facilities in the Region over the Plan Period.

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12.11 THE PROXIMITY PRINCIPLE

The proximity principle states that waste should be dealt with in so far as possible close to its source and this is a fundamental principle of the Connaught Waste Management Plan. The policy recommendations outlined in this Plan reflect this aim as follows:-

- The collection of household recyclable goods is either by home-address collection or by high density ‘bring schemes’ located close to the waste producers.

- The provision of 21 recycling stations in the region to be situated in close proximity to the waste producers.

- The provision of sorting and baling facilities for waste, with the resultant environmental benefits of transfer of compacted or baled waste and recyclable materials to recycling, recovery and disposal facilities.

- Construction / Demolition waste recycling facilities to be sited close to source of waste with a facility in each County and a central facility in Galway City.

- Recovery facilities (Green waste composting, biological treatment, thermal treatment) to be located within the region.

- Disposal facilities to be constructed and maintained within the Connaught Region.

Table 12.4: Summary of Waste Plan Infrastructure Facility No. of

sitesLand Area Required (approx.)

Activity General Location

Bring banksExpansion

Small area for each site

Delivery of recyclables by householders

Villages and small towns

Waste Recycling Centres

21 1 ha Delivery of bulky waste by Householders, collection of Skips.

Sligo-2 Leitrim-3Mayo-5 Roscommon-4Galway-6

Kerbside Collection 15 Collection of Recyclables Sligo-1Leitrim-1Mayo-4 Roscommon-3Galway-6

Green Waste Composting

6 1-2ha Shredding and composting of garden waste and organic waste from trial collection.

Sligo-1Leitrim-1Mayo-1Roscommon-1Galway-2

Principal Materials Recovery Facility

2 1 –2 ha Sorting of Kerbside and Bring-Bank materials, baling, transfer of these.

Sligo, Galway

Biological Treatment Plant

2 2-3 ha Composting of organic waste from households/ businesses

Sligo, Tuam.

Construction & Demolition Recycling Facility

1 3-4 ha Sorting and grinding C&D waste for reuse

Galway City. (Also facilities to store & segregate C&D waste at the landfill sites)

Residual Landfill (Including Buffer Zone)

2 70 ha Landfill for residual waste that cannot otherwise be treated.

North and South Connaught

Thermal Treatment Plant

1 4-7 ha Conversion of waste to energy.

Galway City & Environs

Transfer station(to thermal plant 2006)To Ballinasloe Landfill pre 2006

3

1

1-2 ha

1-2 ha

Compaction and transfer of residual waste

(Sligo, Castlebar, Roscommon.) Galway

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13. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

13.1 INTRODUCTION

Public involvement has been ongoing since the commencement of the Connaught Waste Management Strategy in 1998. The initial public consultation has involved placing a public notice in local newspapers inviting submissions by 25th September, 1998. This was followed up by radio interviews with five local radio stations, transmitted as part of the evening news schedule. A Briefing Document for the study was circulated to public representatives and interest groups in the region (including environmental action groups and waste recyclers/ collectors) as identified by the local authorities. These people were all given the opportunity to make submissions. A total of 207 copies of the briefing document were circulated.

A total of 42 written submissions were received which can be summarised as follows:

Private individuals 5

Non-government organisations 7

Public representatives/organisations 18

Commercial interests 12

A theme common to all submissions was the importance of public education particularly in schools. The siting and proper management of landfills was also a priority issue. The issues raised in the submissions are summarised in Section 3.1 below. The submissions were constructive and were not in general aimed at any particular site or facility in general.

Briefings have also been given to the Elected Members in each local authority concerned and to date these have been given in Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim. Galway County and City Elected Members are also being briefed on the project. The councillors have welcomed the study. They recognise that waste is a priority issue and requested that the strategy study be completed and implemented as quickly as possible, so as to avert any waste crisis in the region.

13.2 PUBLIC RESPONSE

The file of public submissions received is summarised below. This file has been copied and made available to each local authority.

Individuals

There were only 5 responses from individuals to the announcement of the study. These expressed interest in the study and looked forward to hearing more, while one person was very concerned about the disposal of sewage sludge in the region particularly in Galway. He offered the view that landspreading or incineration were the only viable options available to Galway Corporation and that management proposals need to be presented to the public as early as possible.

Public Bodies

A number of public bodies responded to the study and many had useful suggestions. A common theme to all was the need for public education on waste management issues. Other suggestions included subsidised home composting schemes, home collection of source segregated recyclables, proper control on the disposal of building waste and improving the image of existing bring banks. FAS wrote informing the study team of their training centres in the region and provided information of environmental/waste management aspects of their

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training. The question of how to provide an effective waste service in remote rural areas was posed by the CEO of Mayo County Enterprise Board.

The County Engineer from Clare welcomed the study and would like to be informed if any facilities were planned whose scope could be extended to include County Clare. The Director of Environmental Protection of Northern Irelands Environment and Heritage Service replied enclosing a copy of the draft Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy. He supported a policy of broad public involvement and also drew attention to the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste, which bans the import of waste for disposal with certain exception, and is in force since 1996.

A submission was received from the Chief Superintendent’s Office of the Garda Siochana Station in Sligo which contained comments from individual Garda sergeants in five stations. These can be summarised as follows:-

Public education and awareness programmes are needed

Community ownership and participation in the selection of waste management options such as recycling facilities and landfills

Use related charges would be beneficial

Application of resources needed to ensure enforcement for example of the Litter Act.

Need for safe disposal of syringes and needles.

Non-Government Organisations

There were 7 submissions from community groups/local environmental groups. A number of common themes were evident including increased public education and the difficulties of recycling paper. Some submissions called for landfills to be sited preferably in remote areas, but this contrasts with the views of others who want waste to be managed as close as possible to its source (i.e. the proximity principle). The Sligo Environmental Awareness Society made very specific suggestions which would typify the response of such groups:-

Recycling of 50% of all waste produced

Composting of 15% by weight of total waste

Collection of source segregated waste from households

Volume related charges are preferable

A pollution/recycling tax should be placed on the original manufacturers of waste

No waste to energy should be put in place if it would be dependent on the actual production of waste (i.e. needed waste to keep it going)

Commercial Interests

Submissions were also received from a number of commercial organisations interested in providing services to the Connaught local authorities when the strategy is put in place, and from some of the existing private sector operators. These included proposals from both Kerbside Dublin and Rehab Recycling Partnership who are at present the major players in the Irish recycling industry. Rehab made quite specific suggestions as follows:-

To extend the present system of 82 bring centres in the region by providing 50 more of the existing type and a further 30 of the newer more compact street furniture style units

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Dual wheelie bin collection of organic and dry recyclables on alternative weeks with residual waste collected once per month

Commercial glass collection should be expanded and this will shortly proceed in Galway on a pilot basis using specially designed bins

Promotional campaign consisting of a National Recycling Week

A similar proposal was received from Kerbside Dublin who suggested that home collection of recyclables and organics should be provided for clusters of households of between 25,000-30,000. A series of transfer stations/civic amenity stations should be provided for recovery of cans, glass, bulky waste and special wastes to be known as Recycling Villages. A regional recovery facility was also recommended.

13.3 PRESENTATIONS TO ELECTED MEMBERS

The adoption of the Waste Management Plan is a reserved function of Elected Members. The Waste Management Strategy Study was presented in April/May 1999 to the Elected Members of the six local authorities. Agreement was reached to proceed with the preparation of a draft Regional Waste Management Plan. This Draft Plan will be presented to the Elected Members and put on public display for a period of two months during which time submissions will be sought from interested parties. The Plan will then be amended prior to adoption by the Elected Members of the six local authorities.

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