Ballyfermot recycling plant to shut for year after January fire

The Thorntons recycling plant in Ballyfermot is set to be closed for a year after a fire broke out there in early January, the Environmental Protection Agency has revealed.

Sinn Fein councillor Daithí Doolan and TD Aengus O’Snodaigh met with the EPA following the fire to discuss the plant’s operational abilities.

In a statement, Doolan said that that fire was a “great concern” to residents in Ballyfermot, Drimnagh and Inchicore.

“Luckily no one injured in the fire,” said Doolan.

“Residents received a ‘close windows’ warning for Dublin Fire Brigades on the night of the fire.

“This left people genuinely worried about toxins that might be in the smoke from the fire.

“I contacted both Throntons and the EPA the next day to seek reassurances from them that everything was being done to protect the health and safety of the public.

“I felt it was important to meet with the EPA and discuss the future of the plant in Ballyfermot.”

Doolan says that the plant will not reopen until it is fully rebuilt and passes EPA safety standards.

“During our meeting the EPA were very clear.  There is no waste on site now.

“The plant will not reopen for business until it is rebuilt to best standards possible. This could take up to 12 months.

“We were also assured that there can be no changes to the functions at the plant without Thorntons seeking a new EPA license and new planning permission from Dublin City Council.

An EPA report compiled after the fire says that the Thorntons site failed to adhere to EPA protocols in 2001 and 2007 for poor waste practices and odour emissions, respectively.

An investigation into odour emissions was opened in June 2020 but after the plant “implemented a number of actions,” there were no odour complaints received since August last year.

The report says that the “EPA will review proposals put forward from Thorntons for reconstruction of the site to determine if a licence amendment/ review is required.

“In the interim, EPA will engage with the site to monitor compliance with licence and obtain update on progress.”

Doolan says that any findings about the how fire was started should be made public.

“It is essential that the fire is fully investigated by the Chief Fire Officer and that the findings are made public.

“I am glad to say my motion demanding this was unanimously passed at this month’s Dublin City Council meeting.

“It is essential that the public, particularly local communities affected by the fire, are fully aware of the causes and consequences of this fire.”