Vol. 509 No. 6
429 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department has looked at alternatives to incineration which do not have the same associated problems with emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21505/99]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 59 of 5 October 1999.
The feasibility studies undertaken in 1998 considered three thermal treatment options – waste incineration with energy recovery gasification and pyrolysis under a range of criteria. The consultants concluded, inter alia, that WTE is a safe, tried and tested technology capable of meeting stringent environmental standards; gasification and pyrolysis are emerging technologies which are continuing to be developed to the scale likely to be appropriate in Irish circumstances; gasification offers environmental advantages over WTE, including lower emissions; gasification does not have the same track record as WTE, but appears to be close to becoming proven as a treatment method for municipal wastes; and pyrolysis may have future potential in certain applications but is not currently suitable as a bulk treatment method for municipal wastes.
In accordance with the policy approach outlined in Changing our Ways, the strategic waste management planning exercise currently being undertaken by local authorities reflects the requirements of the waste hierarchy and will support the development of an environmentally sustainable and integrated waste management infrastructure, incorporating materials recovery, biological and thermal treatment facilities and landfills for residual wastes.
