Dumpsite remediation delay is heavily criticised

IDA Ireland has made an application for an extension of planning permission to remediate a site that was contaminated with illegal dumping 13 years ago.

In 2001, Northside People reported on the huge level of outrage when the dumpsite containing hospital waste was discovered on lands at Clonshaugh adjacent to the N32.

Mounds of contaminated material including syringes, theatre waste, bloody swabs, bed pans, hypodermic needles and patient records were discovered by contractors working on a pipe-laying project on behalf of Dublin City Council.

It’s believed the unauthorised waste landfill dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, many years prior to IDA Ireland’s purchase of the site.

Fingal County Council granted planning permission to IDA Ireland in 2009 to remediate the site. This expired on June 21, 2014.

A spokesman for IDA Ireland said it plans to remediate the site.

“IDA Ireland will refocus its attention on implementing the development as permitted as the economy continues to improve,

? he told Northside People.

“The development permitted in 2009 did not commence due to commercial and economic considerations which substantially militated against either the commencement of development or the carrying out of substantial works pursuant to the planning permission.

?

Local TD Tommy Broughan called for the site to be remediated as a matter of urgency.

“I am gravely disappointed on behalf of my constituents living in Clonshaugh, Belcamp, Priorswood, Moatview, Bonnybrook and Darndale that the required works identified to remediate this site have not been carried out in a timely manner,

? said Deputy Broughan.

“While the current grant of permission expired on June 21, the presence of an illegal dump at the site was discovered as far back as mid-2001.

?

Deputy Broughan said that following the IDA’s application for an extension of planning permission he made a strong submission to the council calling for the work to be carried out.

“The illegal dump reportedly contains hazardous material,

? he stated.

“I have repeatedly campaigned on behalf of my constituents to have the site fully remediated with all waste materials being safely removed.

?

The current application made to Fingal County Council seeks to extend the grant of planning permission for a further five years.

“The IDA proposes to remove all waste material in a controlled and phased manner and replace it with clean soil,

? stated Deputy Broughan.

“I am again calling for this absolutely necessary work to be completed.

“I would strongly urge the planning department of Fingal County Council to make a necessary condition of the grant of extension of permission that the necessary remediation works would be carried out by December 31, 2015 at the latest.

?

Deputy Broughan believes this would allow an appropriate amount of time for the applicant to arrange for the works to be carried out.

“Equally, it would ensure that the long delays experienced in making the site safe will be adequately addressed,

? he added.

A spokeswoman for Fingal County Council said it did not comment on planning permissions.