Ireland: EPA to weigh in on Limerick plans

Limerick Council has engaged consultants with a view to making an unprecedented submission over Irish Cement’s EUR10m Mungret plans, which will see fossil fuels replaced by the burning of tyres.

At this week’s metropolitan meeting, metropolitan district boss, Kieran Lehane, confirmed consultants had been appointed to “carry out an appraisal of the air quality, health and climate change elements of the applications and further submissions.”

The consultants’ report is expected to be completed this week and a decision will then be taken on whether a submission is to be made to the EPA.

Irish Cement has maintained that its planned changes will not see an increase in emissions into the local environment.

Asked if he felt there would be a conflict of interest, since the council is still deliberating on a planning application from Irish Cement, Councillor Daniel Butler said the applications were separate. The EPA will decide whether Irish Cement can use the tyres and waste, while the council will decide on the physical infrastructure.