A HAZARDOUS waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour could worsen traffic delays on an already congested route, according to the National Roads Authority (NRA).
In a submission to An Bord Pleanála, the NRA outlined its position on the effect the proposed incinerator might have on the surrounding road network.
NRA regional manager Paul Moran told a hearing on the proposed waste facility that while the authority was not opposed to the project in principle, it could have an adverse effect on traffic.
“The proposal would have the potential to adversely contribute to existing unsatisfactory capacity issues on the N28 and the national road infrastructure within its catchment,” Mr Moran said.
The N28 is a national primary road that links Cork city to Ringaskiddy, where a number of major industries are located, including a deep-water port for Cork, roll-on, roll-off ferry terminal and the headquarters for the Irish Naval Service.
He said lands required for the proposed upgraded N28, which would facilitate the development of the incinerator, were located inside the development lands, raising concerns about the time frame and expense of the project.
“The authority notes with concern that these lands are designated for stockpiling material and also as the construction site for the transfer station facility.
“This raised concerns regarding planning, compensation, timing issues and reclamation requirements which could arise in the context of the authority’s advancement of the proposed N28 road scheme,” Mr Moran said.
The NRA asked that no work as part of the incinerator development take place on such lands without its consent.
The authority also asked that no funds from the exchequer be used to cater for specific works intended to serve the proposed development, such as access to the incinerator site.
NRA senior policy adviser in planning, Tara Spain, said the authority had a clearly defined programme of work up until the end of 2010, but no precise guarantees could be given to any other projects in terms of timeframe, because of uncertain funding for future NRA projects.
However, planning and design of the proposed N28 had been “substantially completed”.
Irish Times
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