Chapter 10 Infrastructure
10.4.1.1 Waste Recovery and Disposal
Waste Management Enforcement Policy Objective ES 5
With respect to the waste management policy objectives we would respectfully request that the wording of ES 5 is amended slightly in the finalised plan. The amendment echo’s the approach the council are adopting in relation to ES 10 i.e. which confirms the council will actively monitor and enforce conditions for Waste permit holders (amendments included in bold).
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ES 5: Monitor and Investigate and take appropriate legal action against those involved in unauthorised waste activities
Waste Management Enforcement Policy Objective ES 9
With respect to the waste management policy objectives we would respectfully request that the wording of ES 9 is amended slightly in the finalised plan (amendments included in bold).
- ES 9: Implement the provisions of the Laois Waste Management (Storage, Presentation and Segregation of Household & Commercial) Waste Bye-Laws 2018 and to take enforcement action where necessary to protect the environment and local amenities. Monitoring to ensure that all waste collectors are permitted and operating in compliance with the appropriate permits, by-laws and legislation.
Waste Recovery & Disposal Policy Objectives
Circular Economy
Bord na Móna supports the council with respect to the Waste Recovery & Disposal Policy Objectives in particular ES 3. With respect to the Circular Economy, the Bord na Móna estate currently supports nationally and regionally significant waste management and resource recovery infrastructure, including landfill, brown waste composting, recovery and recycling of municipal and construction and demolition waste, tyre recycling, and plastic film recycling all of which enable the transition to a more sustainable future and support the circular economy. As mentioned in a previous section, Bord na Móna has converted the former Littleton briquette factory to accept, process, and recycle up to 23,500 tonnes of waste plastic from the agricultural sector and Bord na Móna’s peat production activities. Pelletised material will be exported offsite for reuse as a raw material in the manufacture of other plastic products.
The current and future focus is on waste prevention, reuse, maximising recycling, and using waste as a fuel instead of fossil fuels; all elements of the circular economy strategy to boost competitiveness, foster sustainable economic growth, and generate new jobs.
Given the geographic location, nature and physical characteristics of the estate, there remains significant potential for Bord na Móna to support further resource recovery operations and enable the transition to a more sustainable future and it is our view that the finalised County Development Plan should support all beneficial uses of Peatlands including resource recovery.