Environmental Services
The strategic objective of the Environment Section is to protect, conserve and enhance the Environment in County Carlow.
PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Green Schools
Green-Schools is Ireland's leading environmental management and education programme for schools. It is operated in partnership with Local Authorities and is supported by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government; Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; The Department of Arts, Heritage Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Irish Aid, National Transport Authority; National Parks and Wildlife Service, Irish Water and the Wrigley Company Limited.
14 flags were presented to schools in 2016.
As part of her role, the Environmental Awareness Officer arranged tours of Powerstown recycling facility and assisted a number of schools and teachers in County Carlow.
The Environmental Awareness Officer worked with County Carlow Library service during National Science week when energy workshops were delivered to students throughout the Library network.
Teachers from those schools participating in the Green Schools programme attended the annual Green Schools seminar which was held in Carlow Town Library on Thursday 20th October 2016.
Working with Community Groups
The strong relationship between the community & voluntary groups in our County was continued during 2016. The Environmental Awareness officer and Environmental Patrol Officers continued to support the Community department of Carlow County Council as well as local community groups through delivering information workshops on various environmental concerns such as Sustainable Waste Management.
The Environmental Awareness Officer and Environmental Patrol officer continued to support Carlow's Pride of Place awards ceremony, held in October, by attending and offering information and advice on a wide range of environmental issues.
National Tree Week
Carlow County Council continues to promote the practice of developing green spaces and planting native Irish trees in urban areas through initiatives such as National Tree Week. These green spaces will support biodiversity and act as CO2 sinks, thereby reducing CO2 level. In 2016 300 native Irish saplings were given to residents' associations and Tidy Towns groups throughout the Town and County.
National Spring Clean
Residents associations, Tidy Towns and other voluntary organisations participated in National Spring Clean. This initiative promotes public awareness and participation in local litter clean ups and supports volunteers to clean up their area and support the local environment. Carlow County Council provided support to 35 groups throughout the County throughout the County through the provision of black bags, gloves and litter pickers. Environment Patrol Officers disposed of all of the materials collected.
Biodiversity
In November 2016, Carlow County Council hosted a Biodiversity / Wildflower workshop in the Town Hall, Haymarket Carlow. The Workshop was facilitated by Sandro Cafolla, owner and Manager of Design by Nature and Wildflower.ie. and attended by over 80 attendees from a diverse range of backgrounds who received information on.
Waste Prevention
In 2016 Carlow County Council continued to promote waste prevention. In October 2016, a "Stop Food Waste" advertising programme was rolled out through the Omniplex Cinema in Carlow.
Cooking with leftovers in Clonegal
Over 100 attendees were shown how to make tasty and nutritious meals using everyday leftovers. Local Chief, Henry Stone prepared a variety of dishes for attendees to taste. Information in relation to food waste was circulated.
Repair Handbook
Carlow County Council, as part of the Southern Waste Management Plan, endeavours to encourage people to reduce consumer consumption by promoting the repair of household items rather than disposing of them, thereby reducing waste generation and associated environmental impacts. Waste Prevention is the main principles of the Southern Waste Management Plan. A list of repair services was collated by Carlow County Council with the assistance of Bagenalstown Improvement Group, Ballon Tidy Towns and Tullow Tidy Towns. The Repair handbook was launched by the Cathaoirleach John Murphy and distributed throughout the County.
National Reuse Month
2016 saw the introduction of National Reuse Month. The community of Carlow were invited to donate their unused children's Story Books to be rehomed. Drop off points included all libraries and civic buildings. Over 1200 books were received and donated to Carlow Regional Youth Services for use in their afterschool's programmes throughout the County.
Carlow County Council worked with communities during National Reuse Month to promote and deliver Reuse events with Tidy Towns groups in Myshall and Ballon.
The Environment Department continues to work with and are supported by the following organisations:
The recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections (RMCEI) 2016 was prepared in accordance with the recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council providing for minimum criteria for Environmental inspections in Member States. (2001/331/EC) (RMCEI) The plan related to the functional area of Carlow County Council within the calendar year 01/01/2016 until 31/12/2016.
Routine scheduled environmental inspections are carried out by Carlow County Council in accordance with the Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental. Un-scheduled inspections are also carried out in response to complaints received. Inspection activities are examined to determine the facilities which carry the greatest degree of environmental risk. Resources are allocated based on these risk assessments.
In addition to risk assessment there are also national priorities to be taken into account as follows:
In 2016 scheduled inspections took place under these priority headings:
In 2016 the following complaints were investigated:
Number of Litter Fines issued:
A total of 118 litter fines were issued in 2016. 34 summonses for non payment were issued of these 5 were cancelled, 12 cases are pending and 17 were successful. In many cases of illegal dumping evidence cannot be located. Where material has been found a large number of fines issued are returned as undelivered where the individual has left that address.
Warnings issued:
WASTE POLICY
The Southern Waste Management Plan was launched on the 14th May 2015 in the Limerick Institute of Technology in Tipperary.
The making of a Waste Management Plan is an executive function under Section 22(10), and in particular Section 22(10)(a) and (d), of the Waste Management Act 1996.
The 10 Chief Executives in the Southern Region signed an Order for the making of the Plan in June 2014.
The first annual report of the Southern Waste Region was launched in November 2016. The report outlines that very significant gains have been made but recognises that there's still much to be done to deliver on the objectives of the Southern Region Waste Management 2015-2021 plan, which is focussed on the safe and sustainable prevention and management of waste.
Among the key performance indicators in the report, which includes comparisons in waste management practices across the region between 2012 and 2014, is that the disposal rate of waste to landfill from households has dropped from 37% to 25% in that period.
Other positive results include that the recycling and recovery rate has improved from 63% in 2012 to 75% in 2014.
The report shows that the annual amount of household waste produced per person has increased from 295kgs to 299kgs from 2012 to 2014.
The report also revealed that the average amount of waste produced per household in 2014 was 807kg.
Other key findings include:
Powerstown Landfill
In August 2012 planning approval was received under Section 175 (Strategic Infrastructure) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 for continued operation of Powerstown landfill site for a period of 6 years to 2018 or until the facility has reached capacity whichever is reached sooner.
The Powerstown Landfill Facility received a revised Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2015 which increased the annual intake from 40,000 tonne a year to 50,000 tonne a year.
The acceptance of waste from commercial operators was suspended in July, it continued to remain open for domestic customers. The Council is currently engaged with the EPA to agree the process for the temporary capping of cells, with work expected to commence in 2017, following the filling of remaining void space.
Community Fund
Applications were sought under Phase 3 of the Powerstown Landfill Community Fund from households located within the Powerstown Community Fund designated area and Groups & Associations serving the area for the funding of projects which will benefit the social & physical environment of the local community.
In 2016 a total number of 55 Applications were approved and processed for grant payment:
The Powerstown Civic Amenity Site is operated in tandem with the Landfill and provides an excellent service to the public.
Bottle and Paper Recycling Bank Network
In 2016 there were 27 bring sites and one civic amenity site in the county. Paper collection is provided at 5 sites (Kernanstown, Borris, Myshall, Powerstown and Tullow).
The South East Region service contract with Greenstar Ltd. and Glassco Ireland Ltd in respect of the collection/recovery of recyclables has proven successful and will continue.
ENERGY
Actions Undertaken in 2016
Better Energy Communities (BEC) is an Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Funding through the scheme was secured by the Council towards the following projects.
2016 saw the installation of the first renewable energy project at County Buildings. The project involved the installation of a guardrail around the edge of the roof before the installation of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels.
PROMOTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Green Schools
Green-Schools is Ireland's leading environmental management and education programme for schools. It is operated in partnership with Local Authorities and is supported by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government; Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; The Department of Arts, Heritage Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Irish Aid, National Transport Authority; National Parks and Wildlife Service, Irish Water and the Wrigley Company Limited.
14 flags were presented to schools in 2016.
| School | Flag Awarded |
|---|---|
| Borris Mixed National School | Litter and Waste |
| Borris Vocational School | Litter and Waste |
| Carlow Educate Together N.S | Litter and Waste |
| Gaelcholaiste Cheatharlach | Litter and Waste |
| Presentation De La Salle | Water |
| Scoil Naomh Moling | Water |
| St. Laserian's School | Travel |
| Bennekerry N.S. | Biodiversity |
| Clonegal N.S | Biodiversity |
| Kildavin N.S | Biodiversity |
| Leighlinbridge N.S. | Biodiversity |
| Queen of the Universe N.S. | Biodiversity |
| Rathoe National School | Biodiversity |
| S.N. Molaise | GC Energy |
The Environmental Awareness Officer worked with County Carlow Library service during National Science week when energy workshops were delivered to students throughout the Library network.
Teachers from those schools participating in the Green Schools programme attended the annual Green Schools seminar which was held in Carlow Town Library on Thursday 20th October 2016.
Working with Community Groups
The strong relationship between the community & voluntary groups in our County was continued during 2016. The Environmental Awareness officer and Environmental Patrol Officers continued to support the Community department of Carlow County Council as well as local community groups through delivering information workshops on various environmental concerns such as Sustainable Waste Management.
The Environmental Awareness Officer and Environmental Patrol officer continued to support Carlow's Pride of Place awards ceremony, held in October, by attending and offering information and advice on a wide range of environmental issues.
National Tree Week
Carlow County Council continues to promote the practice of developing green spaces and planting native Irish trees in urban areas through initiatives such as National Tree Week. These green spaces will support biodiversity and act as CO2 sinks, thereby reducing CO2 level. In 2016 300 native Irish saplings were given to residents' associations and Tidy Towns groups throughout the Town and County.
National Spring Clean
Residents associations, Tidy Towns and other voluntary organisations participated in National Spring Clean. This initiative promotes public awareness and participation in local litter clean ups and supports volunteers to clean up their area and support the local environment. Carlow County Council provided support to 35 groups throughout the County throughout the County through the provision of black bags, gloves and litter pickers. Environment Patrol Officers disposed of all of the materials collected.
Biodiversity
In November 2016, Carlow County Council hosted a Biodiversity / Wildflower workshop in the Town Hall, Haymarket Carlow. The Workshop was facilitated by Sandro Cafolla, owner and Manager of Design by Nature and Wildflower.ie. and attended by over 80 attendees from a diverse range of backgrounds who received information on.
- Wildlife, Habitats and Natural Amenities
- Landscaping and Open Spaces
- Community Involvement & Planning
In 2016 Carlow County Council continued to promote waste prevention. In October 2016, a "Stop Food Waste" advertising programme was rolled out through the Omniplex Cinema in Carlow.
Cooking with leftovers in Clonegal
Over 100 attendees were shown how to make tasty and nutritious meals using everyday leftovers. Local Chief, Henry Stone prepared a variety of dishes for attendees to taste. Information in relation to food waste was circulated.
Repair Handbook
Carlow County Council, as part of the Southern Waste Management Plan, endeavours to encourage people to reduce consumer consumption by promoting the repair of household items rather than disposing of them, thereby reducing waste generation and associated environmental impacts. Waste Prevention is the main principles of the Southern Waste Management Plan. A list of repair services was collated by Carlow County Council with the assistance of Bagenalstown Improvement Group, Ballon Tidy Towns and Tullow Tidy Towns. The Repair handbook was launched by the Cathaoirleach John Murphy and distributed throughout the County.
2016 saw the introduction of National Reuse Month. The community of Carlow were invited to donate their unused children's Story Books to be rehomed. Drop off points included all libraries and civic buildings. Over 1200 books were received and donated to Carlow Regional Youth Services for use in their afterschool's programmes throughout the County.
- LAPN - Local Authority Prevention Network
- SRWMO - Southern Region Waste Management Office
- WERLA - Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority
- EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
The recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections (RMCEI) 2016 was prepared in accordance with the recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council providing for minimum criteria for Environmental inspections in Member States. (2001/331/EC) (RMCEI) The plan related to the functional area of Carlow County Council within the calendar year 01/01/2016 until 31/12/2016.
Routine scheduled environmental inspections are carried out by Carlow County Council in accordance with the Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental. Un-scheduled inspections are also carried out in response to complaints received. Inspection activities are examined to determine the facilities which carry the greatest degree of environmental risk. Resources are allocated based on these risk assessments.
In addition to risk assessment there are also national priorities to be taken into account as follows:
| Water | Waste | Air |
|---|---|---|
| WFD Monitoring Programme | Introduction of Pay by weight legislation | Air complaints |
| Water Complaints | Domestic Food Waste Regulations | Solvents Regulations |
| Farm Inspections. Sewage Sludge Regulations | End of Life Vehicles | Decorative Paints Regulations |
| Waste Tyres | ||
| Illegal Dumping |
| Water | Inspections |
|---|---|
| Discharges licenses to waters (Section 4) | 12 |
| Inspections under WFD National Monitoring Prog. & related WFD assessments | 336 |
| Farm Inspections under GAP Regulations | 15 |
| Farm Inspections/ Source Protection | 16 |
| Waste | Inspections |
|---|---|
| Food Waste Regulation inspections | 101 |
| Routine Litter Patrols/Investigations | 778 |
| Tyre outlet Inspections - "Waste Tyre Regulations" | 15 |
| Inspections in relation to unauthorised ELV facilities | 21 |
| Air | Inspections |
|---|---|
| Air Pollution Licences | 1 |
| Solvent Regulation Registered sites | 2 |
| Category | Number of Inspections |
|---|---|
| Litter | 1039 |
| Non-litter | 39 |
| Water/Wastewater | 30 |
| Noise | 12 |
| Air/Odour | 23 |
A total of 118 litter fines were issued in 2016. 34 summonses for non payment were issued of these 5 were cancelled, 12 cases are pending and 17 were successful. In many cases of illegal dumping evidence cannot be located. Where material has been found a large number of fines issued are returned as undelivered where the individual has left that address.
Warnings issued:
| Type of Warning | No. Issued |
|---|---|
| Waste 'warning letters' | 2 |
| Section 71 WMA (abandoned. cars) | 21 |
| Article 12 of the Commercial Food Waste Regulations 2009 | 17 |
| Water pollution 'warning letters' | 5 |
| Agri pollution 'warning letters' | 4 |
| Noise 'warning letters' | 4 |
The Southern Waste Management Plan was launched on the 14th May 2015 in the Limerick Institute of Technology in Tipperary.
The making of a Waste Management Plan is an executive function under Section 22(10), and in particular Section 22(10)(a) and (d), of the Waste Management Act 1996.
The 10 Chief Executives in the Southern Region signed an Order for the making of the Plan in June 2014.
The first annual report of the Southern Waste Region was launched in November 2016. The report outlines that very significant gains have been made but recognises that there's still much to be done to deliver on the objectives of the Southern Region Waste Management 2015-2021 plan, which is focussed on the safe and sustainable prevention and management of waste.
Among the key performance indicators in the report, which includes comparisons in waste management practices across the region between 2012 and 2014, is that the disposal rate of waste to landfill from households has dropped from 37% to 25% in that period.
Other positive results include that the recycling and recovery rate has improved from 63% in 2012 to 75% in 2014.
The report shows that the annual amount of household waste produced per person has increased from 295kgs to 299kgs from 2012 to 2014.
The report also revealed that the average amount of waste produced per household in 2014 was 807kg.
Other key findings include:
- Household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recovery in the region is now at almost twice the minimum EU target of 4kgs per inhabitant
- 67% of households have now signed up for a collection service
- 45% of households availing of a collection service have an organic bin >/li>
Powerstown Landfill
In August 2012 planning approval was received under Section 175 (Strategic Infrastructure) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 for continued operation of Powerstown landfill site for a period of 6 years to 2018 or until the facility has reached capacity whichever is reached sooner.
The Powerstown Landfill Facility received a revised Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2015 which increased the annual intake from 40,000 tonne a year to 50,000 tonne a year.
The acceptance of waste from commercial operators was suspended in July, it continued to remain open for domestic customers. The Council is currently engaged with the EPA to agree the process for the temporary capping of cells, with work expected to commence in 2017, following the filling of remaining void space.
Community Fund
Applications were sought under Phase 3 of the Powerstown Landfill Community Fund from households located within the Powerstown Community Fund designated area and Groups & Associations serving the area for the funding of projects which will benefit the social & physical environment of the local community.
In 2016 a total number of 55 Applications were approved and processed for grant payment:
- 43 Individual Applications
- 12 Community Groups
The Powerstown Civic Amenity Site is operated in tandem with the Landfill and provides an excellent service to the public.
Bottle and Paper Recycling Bank Network
In 2016 there were 27 bring sites and one civic amenity site in the county. Paper collection is provided at 5 sites (Kernanstown, Borris, Myshall, Powerstown and Tullow).
The South East Region service contract with Greenstar Ltd. and Glassco Ireland Ltd in respect of the collection/recovery of recyclables has proven successful and will continue.
ENERGY
Actions Undertaken in 2016
Better Energy Communities (BEC) is an Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Funding through the scheme was secured by the Council towards the following projects.
- Photo Voltaic and lighting upgrades at County Hall, Athy Road, Carlow
- Heating controls upgrade at McGrath Hall
- Boiler upgrade at Town Hall, Carlow
The Covenant of Mayors
The Covenant of Mayors is a European movement to mobilise local and regional authorities to meet and exceed the European Union 20-20-20 targets:
- 20% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels
- 20% reduction in primary energy use by improving energy efficiency
- 20% of European Union energy consumption to come from renewable resources
- Reducing energy consumption and energy bills.
- Better funding opportunities (European Union and National Grant Aid).
- Offering a stable environment for business & creating new jobs.
- Contributing to the global fight against human accelerated climate change.
- Demonstrating commitment to environmental protection.
- Improving local energy security.
A Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) Steering Committee was established in 2016, the first meeting of the group took place in February 2016 and the group continued to meet throughout the year. It is expected that the plan will be finalised in the first half of 2017.
Energy Map
The SEAI Partnership programme was signed by Carlow County Council in 2013 since then a range of energy efficiency measures and projects have been implemented. Energy Map is a programme set up by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It has a structured programme of 5 pillars. Each pillar has its own individual steps that need to be completed in order to keep progressing.
The 5 pillars to energy map are:
- Commit
- Identify
- Plan
- Take Action
- Review
The current SEAI scorecard shows that Carlow County Council is showing a 16.8% improvement from the baseline year 2009.
The image below shows Carlow County Council's progress towards the mandatory targets and how it ranks against other similarly sized Local Authorities across the Country.
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Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow. R93 E7R7 Tel. +353 59 9170300. |