Chapter 13: Water & Waste Management

Contents

13.1 Introduction

13.2 Water Quality and Water Resources

13.3 Waste Management

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13.0 Water & Waste Management

13.1 Introduction

This Chapter contains the general planning policies and principles which underline the provision and improvement of water, waste/surface-water and waste management services so as to facilitate development, support the delivery of population, housing and growth targets and prioritised so as to protect public health and protect, restore and improve the receiving environment and water quality. Wider Environmental Management including Flood Risk Management policies are contained in Chapter 11 Environment. As we seek to promote more compact and efficient forms of development within our settlements, it is important to manage waste and water quality more proactively.

The strategic aim of the water and waste management strategy of this plan is to maintain and provide additional key infrastructure and to work with other agencies in the sustainable provision of infrastructure to attract new business investment and people into the County through the implementation of the policy and objectives below and the Development Management Standards and Guidance document of this Plan.

Infrastructure in this chapter refers to physical infrastructure required for water services and waste management. The Council is responsible for the provision of some forms of infrastructure, but the majority of infrastructure is provided by state agencies and private providers and in such cases the Council works to facilitate the provision of infrastructure. As indicated in other parts of this Plan, investment in infrastructure is a key element in economic growth, employment, wellbeing of our citizens and environmental sustainability.

The significant growth of the economy over the past number of years has increased the pressures on existing water and wastewater infrastructure in the County. It is important that such infrastructure is upgraded in certain areas and improved and extended in other areas, in order to comply with the EU Water Framework Directive, Drinking Water Regulations and EPA licensing requirements and to facilitate sustainable development.

The environment, when it is managed and protected ensures that the quality and integrity of the environment is retained. The quality of the infrastructure available within the County is of paramount importance in determining the quality of life for its citizens as well as being a major factor in attracting industry and employment to an area.

It is the policy of the Kerry County Council to facilitate and support water and wastewater infrastructural investment. This infrastructural investment must be plan-led and in accordance with the land use policy framework and population projections of this county development plan.

Kerry County Council will work in conjunction with other agencies, in the provision of a wide range of services including water, wastewater and treatment, solid waste management and supporting circular economy principles that minimise waste going to landfill and maximise waste as a resource. 

13.2 Water Quality and Water Resources

The Council has statutory responsibilities to protect and manage water quality. It has responsibilities for maintaining, improving and enhancing the environmental and ecological quality of the county’s waters by implementing a series of measures including pollution control and licensing of effluent discharges. The varying demands on water resources in the county must be balanced with the need to protect these resources to ensure an adequate supply of clean water for all and to protect the habitats and ecosystems that depend on it.

Water supplies in the county come from surface water and groundwater sources. The protection of these valuable resources is of vital importance to protect both human health and provide for a healthy environment

Surface waters include lakes, reservoirs, streams, rivers and coastal waters.  The main pressures to water quality come from agricultural, forestry, outfalls from municipal wastewater treatment works, on-site wastewater treatment systems, and licensed and unlicensed discharges and storm water run-off.

Groundwater is important as a source of drinking water in the county, in particular, in our rural areas. Groundwater also supports river flows, lake levels and ecosystems. Groundwater is contained in aquifers which are underground layers of rock that contain water. Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) categorises aquifers according to their vulnerability to pollution, that is, the ease with which pollutants of various kinds can enter underground water.  In this regard, development must be controlled and managed appropriately, particularly in areas of high groundwater vulnerability to avoid the transmission of pollutants into important aquifers.

Groundwater protection schemes aim to maintain the quantity and quality of groundwater by applying a risk-based assessment approach to ground water protection and sustainable development. These schemes provide guidance to the Council when carrying out its functions, in particular planning and licensing, and assists in decision making relating to controlling the location and nature of developments and activities of potentially polluting.

13.2.1 Water Supply

The county’s drinking water supplies are derived from natural resources, either surface water or ground water and it is therefore important that these resources are protected so that reliable, safe, and good quality water supplies are always available. The provision of reliable water supplies is also critical to achieve the population growth planned for the county for the period of this plan.

13.2.1.1 Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the National River Basin Management Plan

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is an EU Directive aimed at protecting and improving water quality throughout member states.  The directive applies to all waters including rivers, lakes, groundwater and coastal waters (marine and estuarine).  The WFD requires an integrated approach to managing water quality on a river basin level.  Implementation of the directive in Ireland is set out in the current national River Basin Management Plan.  The plan sets out the status and quality of waters within Ireland, along with details of the water quality objectives to be achieved and the programme of measures to be implemented in order to achieve those objectives.

The Council will drive and support implementation of the River Basin Management Plan in the county. The focus of this work is to protect and improve water quality in rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries and coastal waters, as well as associated protected areas and ecosystems. It is important, therefore, that any proposals for development within County Kerry are assessed to identify any potential impact on the quality of the waters and to ensure consistency with the aims of the WFD.

The 3rd cycle of the WFD is underway (2022-2027) and it will overlap with the timeframe of this plan.  Priority Areas for Action (PAA) are being identified by LAWPRO in collaboration with other stakeholders including KCC, for further measures as part of the 3^rd cycle.  This will build on measures already implemented up to 2021.  This plan will support the measures being implemented to achieve the objectives of the WFD in the county. 

The drafting of the Kerry CDP is occurring within the context of the EPA’s report on the Status of Water Quality in Ireland, 2013-2018 (2019).  The report provides an evaluation of the ecological health of Ireland’s rivers, lakes, canals, groundwaters, estuaries and coastal waters.  Data indicates some worrying national trends on the ecological health and water quality of Ireland’s rivers, lakes, estuaries, groundwater and coastal waters.  Several of these national trends are reflected in Kerry. The county maintains several high or pristine catchments; no waterbody dropped to poor or bad status while coastal waters maintain a good status.  Nonetheless, other trends are worrying notably the continued loss of high-status waterbodies and as important reservoirs of aquatic biodiversity their loss is a concern.  It is the policy of the Council to work to protect and restore these high-status waters as outlined in the WFD ‘Blue Dot Catchments Programme’.

Three significant impacts on water quality in County Kerry are discharges from wastewater treatment plants, pollution arising from agricultural activities and forestry.  It is the policy of the council to ensure that the assimilative capacity of the receiving environment from wastewater discharges is not exceeded and that increases from population growth do not contribute further to degradation of water quality.

Measures to address wastewater discharges are also being implemented through the Water Services Investment Programme which has been fully aligned with the environmental priorities identified in the RBMP. In addition, the EPA monitors wastewater discharges and conditions may be imposed in order to protect the environment.  Diffuse pollution from agriculture is primarily addressed through the Nitrates Action Programme.

The rivers and lakes in County Kerry contain internationally important populations of water dependent species including Salmon, Freshwater Pearl Mussels, Lamprey and Otter. Maintenance of good water quality and flows, fish passage, spawning grounds and riparian vegetation are therefore of importance. There are also a number of formally designated shellfish areas around the coast of County Kerry. Pollution Reduction Programmes have been adopted for these and are currently being implemented. It is important, therefore, that any proposals for development within the catchments of these areas are assessed to identify any potential impact on the quality of the waters in question.

It is furthermore acknowledged that there is significant potential to deliver multi-functions/co-benefits for human health and for the environment in terms of biodiversity and climate from measures to improve water quality.  Therefore, it is the policy of the council to ensure a cross-agency collaborative approach to implementing the RBMP, to promote a catchment-based approach to water management and to facilitate cross boundary collaboration and shared responsibility at a regional level.  The RSES and CDP supports bottom-up community initiatives through this integrated catchment management approach.

13.2.1.2 Drinking Water Source Protection

The WFD sets out a clear approach to the protection and enhancement of the Country’s water resources. The fundamental objective of the WFD is to maintain and improve the quality of all waters, and any associated protected areas such as drinking waters sources.

It is important that all current drinking water sources and potential future sources of water supply are protected. In this regard it is clear that proposed development must be assessed to identify any potential impact on the quality of these sources. 

The Lough Guitane catchment is the source of the Central Regional Water Supply Scheme and is the largest single water supply source in County Kerry. In view of the impact of a contaminated water supply on the local economy and public health, it is critical that this source be protected.

It is the policy of the Council to implement a Water Safety Plan approach in order to protect the catchment area and the ground water zone of contribution. Development in the vicinity of the lake could result in increased risk of pollution to the water body, therefore the precautionary principle will be adopted with regard to development in its catchment area.

In areas not served by public or group schemes, groundwater is a significant source of water. In rural areas especially, the impacts of inappropriate development are potentially harmful to groundwater resources. The location of groundwater resources will therefore be taken into account when assessing Planning Applications.

There are in the region of 38,000 domestic onsite wastewater treatment systems in County Kerry of varying age and condition. It is a legal requirement that all septic tanks and wastewater treatment units are registered with the Local Authority. It is the policy of the Council to require that all individual effluent treatment systems and septic tank drainage systems be provided in accordance with the standards set out in the EPA Code of Practice (2010).

Map 13.1: Lough Guitane Catchment _{(click to enlarge)}

13.2.1.3 Wastewater Treatment Systems and Private Wells

Many private wells are at risk of contamination from sources such as wastewater treatments systems. Recommended separation distances are specified in Table B.3 of the EPA Code of Practice. Distances may be increased where the bedrock is shallow, preferential flow paths are present or the effluent and bacteria enter the bedrock rapidly.

13.2.1.4 Groundwater Protection Schemes

Groundwater Protection Schemes seek to preserve the quality of groundwater in the county for drinking purposes, for the benefit of present and future generations. These schemes provide guidelines to the Council when carrying out its planning and licensing functions and assists in decision-making relating to controlling the location and nature of developments and activities of potentially polluting activities.

Water Supply It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-1	Ensure compliance with the Water Framework Directive.
KCDP 13-2	Achieve water quality targets by implementing the national River Basin Management Plan (and associated programmes of measures).
KCDP 13-3	Facilitate Irish Water investment in capital projects over the lifetime of this plan to facilitate the population growth targets outlined in the Core Strategy of this plan.
KCDP 13-4	Prohibit any form of development within the catchment area of Lough Guitane (including the lake itself) that will have a potentially detrimental effect on the objectives of the WFD (Map 13.1).
KCDP 13-5	Ensure that planning applications are assessed with regard to the Groundwater Protection Scheme and the potential impacts the development may have on groundwater quality.
KCDP 13-6	Protect all sources and potential sources of public water supply, including their zones of contribution within the County from pollution resulting from any development and/or land use.
KCDP 13-7	Protect existing and potential water resources for the county, in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), the current National River Basin Management Plan and any amending or replacement version, the Pollution Reduction Programmes for designated shellfish waters, the provisions of the Groundwater Protection Scheme for the county and any other protection plans for water supply sources, with an aim to improving all water quality.
KCDP 13-8	Protect rivers, streams and other watercourses and where applicable ensure developments follow guidelines outlined in the IFI’s Planning for Watercourses in the Urban Environment, 2020.
KCDP 13-9	Protect the County’s waters from pollution by nitrates and phosphates from agricultural sources by facilitating changes in agricultural practices.
KCDP 13-10	Ensure that all wastewater treatment systems for single houses are designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines and the E.P.A. Publication 'Code of Practice – Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses” or any amending/replacement guidance or standards.
KCDP 13-11	Protect, enhance and support the restoration of groundwaters and ensure a balance of abstraction and recharge, with the aim of achieving good groundwater status and to reverse any significant and sustained upward trends in the concentration of pollutants in groundwater.

13.2.1.5 Water Conservation

Water is a valuable resource, and the production and treatment of its supply must be managed in a sustainable manner in order to ensure its most efficient and economic use. Water conservation is key to the sustainable use of our water resources, and it is a priority in all areas of the county, whether served by public or private supplies. Irish Water is currently implementing a Leakage Reduction Programme which is focused on providing a reliable uninterrupted water supply, improved water quality, reduced leakages and improved supply connections.  The Council will facilitate the delivery of this programme and encourage all new developments to incorporate appropriate water conservation measures.

Water Conservation It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-12	Promote water conservation and responsible use of water by introducing and facilitating the provision of demand reduction measures.

13.2.1.6 Public Water

It is a priority of the Council to increase the number of households served by public water in the interest of ensuring drinking water quality, protecting water resources, sustainable development and maximising investments in this infrastructure. In this regard, the Council will require developments to connect to public water supply, where available, rather than providing a private well on site.

13.2.1.7 Private Water Services

Group Water Schemes (and individual wells) also play an important role in the provision of a piped water supply to private households, farms and businesses in County Kerry. The responsibility for monitoring and assisting Group schemes remains with the Councils Group Scheme Section which continues to work on upgrading networks and treatment plants as well as preparing schemes for take over.

The Rural Water Programme facilitates the development of water services in rural areas, and it plays an important role in helping to improve deficiencies in group water schemes and private supplies where no alternative group or public water scheme is available. Investment under the programme is prioritised for upgrades which help to deliver measures identified in the National River Basin Management Plan, the Water Framework Directive and the requirements of the Drinking Water Directive.

The Council recognises that there is a need for a properly funded Group Sewerage Scheme programme in order to deal with some of the environmental and development problems which arise from inadequate on-site individual treatment plants. The Council will encourage and support communities in seeking such a scheme.

Private Water Services It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-13	Promote water conservation and responsible use of water by introducing and facilitating the provision of demand reduction measures.

13.2.2 Water Infrastructure

Continued investment in treated water supply infrastructure is vital for County Kerry. Without continued infrastructural development in drinking water, capacity may be a factor in restricting development.  Climate change may affect the sustainability of some of our water sources and therefore new raw water sources need to be assessed and developed.  Kerry has a predominance of surface water sources which are susceptible to drought and therefore ground water and impoundment / storage measures need to be developed over the medium term for resilience. Such proposals will require environmental assessment and should be compatible with Natura 2000 site conservation objectives.

Kerry has up to 60 water treatment plants.  A number of these small plants need to be rationalised together with the expansion of larger plants. Additional storage is required for a number of plants to allow for future proofing, power outages, water security and capacity for growth. Leakage control and mains rehabilitation will provide additional capacity for the water schemes.

Current development needs for Water Services infrastructure include:

• Water Treatment Plant Expansion / Rationalisation
• Upgrading of Strategic Trunk Mains
• Increased strategic storage reservoir capacity
• Mains Rehabilitation
• Leakage Management and UFW Reduction
• Interconnectivity Between Networks
• Source Development
• Source Protection Works

Water Infrastructure It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-14	Facilitate and support the sustainable provision of new and the upgrading of existing water and water treatment infrastructure in the county.

13.2.2.1 Wastewater Treatment

The treatment and disposal of wastewater in an environmentally sound manner is important not only for human health but also for the social and economic development of the county. Pollution from wastewater treatment facilities arises where there is inadequate treatment; storm water overflows operating incorrectly; or direct discharges of untreated wastewater.  It is essential that all wastewater is treated in accordance with best practice to ensure the protection of the environment and public health.

The provision of adequate wastewater infrastructure facilities is a main tenet of the development of settlements for residential and economic purposes. A significant number of smaller settlements in the county have inadequate wastewater treatment or limited capacity which restricts the development of these settlements.  Having regard to the rural nature of Kerry, its peninsula nature, and its peripheral location in the Southern Region the economic importance of these smaller towns and villages are vital to sustaining rural communities. It is essential that Irish Water invest in wastewater infrastructure to enable these settlements to satisfactorily accommodate future population growth in line with the core strategy of this plan, to provide an alternative location for one-off rural housing and to sustain and enable rural economies to grow.

Kerry County Council has therefore identified 24 priority settlements in urgent need of wastewater infrastructure investment. These 24 settlements form part of a detailed submission made by Kerry County Council to Irish Waters Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme (STVGP). See Volume 1 Appendices - KCC Submission to Irish Water (STVGP).

The Council will support and facilitate Irish Water in the sustainable development of rural wastewater treatment programmes and supports the initiatives of Irish Water, communities and developers in small rural settlements to identify solutions subject to available funding for such services.

Wastewater Treatment It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-15	Facilitate and support the sustainable provision of new and the upgrading of existing wastewater infrastructure to accommodate the future growth of settlements in the county in line with the Core Strategy.
KCDP 13-16	Facilitate and support Irish Waters Investment Plan 2020-2024 and Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme (STVGP) and any other successor capital plans/ strategies in the county.

13.2.2.3 Communal Private Wastewater Treatment Plants

Communal private wastewater treatment plants will not be considered for residential developments. Private wastewater treatment plants will be considered in exceptional circumstances for commercial and tourism uses. The Council will give careful consideration to such proposals, and at minimum will only consider proposals where the communal wastewater treatment system will be retained in single ownership. This is required to ensure that the system will be properly maintained. The Council must also be satisfied that the development complies with all relevant EPA guidance, EU Directives and sustainable development and environmental criteria.

The Council may consider alternative individual treatment systems for existing developments only, where ground conditions are such that the existing system, per the EPA Code of Practice, would not treat effluent satisfactorily (such alternatives may include zero discharge systems).

Communal Private Wastewater Treatment Plants It is an objective of the Council to:

KCDP 13-17

Consider the development of private wastewater treatment systems to serve commercial and tourism uses (employment generating developments) outside of serviced settlements and in rural areas where the system is in single ownership and where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority that the proposed wastewater treatment system is in accordance with the ‘Code of Practice Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Serving Single Houses, EPA 2009 and Wastewater Treatment Manuals – Treatment Systems for Small Communities, Business, Leisure Centre and Hotels, EPA 1999’, and any updated versions of these documents during the lifetime of the Plan, the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats and Shellfish Waters Directives and relevant Pollution Reduction Programmes.

13.2.2.4 Individual Private Wastewater Facilities in Rural Areas

The 2016 Census identified that 55% of private households in the county were served by a private individual septic tank or other type of individual treatment system. This rate was considerably higher than the State average of 28.8%. This is reflective of the rural settlement pattern and the lack of investment in public wastewater treatment plants in the rural villages of the county.

The provision of on-site wastewater treatment systems to serve new one-off rural housing must be carefully considered as these systems place significant pressure on water quality.

For new development where it is proposed to serve a dwelling house with a domestic wastewater treatment system, it must be demonstrated that the proposed onsite system can safely and adequately dispose of the effluent in accordance with the Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems serving Single Houses (EPA, 2009) and that the proposal complies with the Water Framework Directive and the provisions of the relevant River Basin Management Plan.

It is essential that these systems are properly installed, regularly monitored, and maintained so as protect public health and the environment. The Council will continue to carry out inspections under the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems-the aims of which is to protect human health and water quality from the risks posed by these systems.

Individual Private Wastewater Facilities in Rural Areas It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-18	Ensure that development proposals comply with the standards and requirements of the Irish Water: Code of Practice for Wastewater Infrastructure, (December 2016), and any updated version of this document during the lifetime of the Plan.
KCDP 13-19	Ensure that proposed wastewater treatment system for single rural dwellings are in accordance with the ‘Code of Practice Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Serving Single Houses, EPA 2021’ and any updated version of this document during the lifetime of the Plan, and are maintained in accordance with approved manufacturer’s specifications and subject to compliance with the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats and Shellfish Waters Directives and relevant Pollution Reduction Programmes.

13.2.3 Public Conveniences

Kerry County Council has Public Conveniences at nineteen locations throughout the County. Seven of the facilities are operated on behalf of Kerry County Council by local community groups. It is necessary to ensure that public conveniences are provided in appropriate locations for the benefit of both locals and tourists. The Council will co-operate with local groups to facilitate the provision of toilet facilities in places where large numbers of people visit or gather and where there is an identified need. In certain environmentally sensitive areas, it may be more appropriate to provide or to upgrade facilities in a nearby settlement to address the need.

Public Conveniences It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-20	Facilitate and support community groups in the provision and management of public conveniences at appropriate locations.

13.2.4 Storm Water Management

Storm water flows can have a significant detrimental impact on the available capacity of combined sewer networks and at treatment plants. Climate change is exacerbating the impact by way of more frequent and intense rainfall. This brings challenges in terms of drainage and capacity, traditionally addressed by hard engineering options (concrete gullies, pipes, drains etc).

Sustainable Drainage Systems, commonly known as SuDS, is an approach that seeks to manage surface water runoff as close as possible to its origin by various engineering or nature-based solutions that replicate natural drainage processes before it enters the watercourse or network. The incorporation of SuDS techniques allows surface water to be either infiltrated to ground or conveyed more slowly to water courses using porous surface treatments, ponds, swales, filter drains or other installations. The benefits of taking a nature-based approach includes not just flood risk management benefits but also improved water quality, biodiversity and Climate adaptation and mitigation. To maximise effectiveness, nature-based surface water solutions requires consideration in the early design stages of land use planning, including during the preparation of masterplans and land use zoning objectives.

The Council will require the application of SuDS in new developments and proposals to extend existing developments. At a minimum surface water runoff will be restricted to greenfield runoff rates.

The application of SuDS techniques will be site-specific and will depend on the site’s characteristics and will be required to demonstrate that climate change considerations have been incorporated into the design.  All applications should include a commensurate drainage assessment which outlines the drainage design considerations/strategy in line with the flood risk, surface water management and climate change requirements and objectives in the CDP.

 Figure 13.1: SuDs examples (OPW) 

Storm Water Management It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-21	Improve sustainable drainage and reduce the risk of flooding in the urban environment in accordance with the CIRIA SuDS Manual 2015.
KCDP 13-22	It is an objective of the Council to identify opportunities for nature-based SuDs in tandem with the preparation of masterplans for urban areas and plan level Strategic Flood Risk Assessments.
KCDP 13-23	Promote greater rainwater harvesting by households and businesses for the diversion of storm water from combined sewers.
KCDP 13-24	Support the incorporation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) in all public and private development in urban areas.
KCDP 13-25	Work alongside Irish Water to ensure the separation of foul and surface water drainage networks where feasible and undertake drainage network upgrades to help remove surface water misconnection and infiltration.
KCDP 13-26	Promote and support the retrofitting of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in established urban areas. Where possible incorporate nature-based solutions.

13.3 Waste Management

Waste management throughout the Country is undergoing dramatic change at present. The implementation of the waste management hierarchy, greenhouse gas reduction targets, European and National policies such as the Landfill Directive and the National Biodegradable Waste Strategy is driving this change. In many instances change is being incentivised through government backed financial measures such as the Repak subsidy on dry recyclables or charges such as the Landfill Levy. Free-market economic forces are also increasing the value of recyclable waste as a commodity.

In the current climate the economics of waste management are constantly changing, and investment decisions are framed in the context of a very uncertain economic and regulatory environment. It is Government policy to discourage disposal of waste to landfill and the Landfill Levy will increase substantially over the next few years. The amount of waste deposited in landfill is progressively reducing, in particular in recent years there has been a significant reduction in the volume of organic waste deposited on landfill.

Kerry has actively improved its waste management systems, but it remains heavily reliant on export markets for the treatment of residual waste, recyclable wastes and hazardous waste. While the ultimate aim is to decouple, as much as possible, consumption from waste generation over time, additional investment in waste management infrastructure, and in particular different types of waste treatment, will be required. In managing our waste needs, this Plan supports circular economy principles that minimise waste going to landfill and maximise waste as a resource. This means that prevention, preparation for reuse, recycling and recovery are prioritised in that order, over the disposal of waste.

Waste Management It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-27	Ensure the implementation of the Regional Waste Management Plan with particular emphasis on waste reduction, reuse and recycling and the sustainable disposal of residual waste in the most appropriate manner.
KCDP 13-28	Facilitate the implementation of the current Regional Waste Management Plan, and any replacement or amending plan, to include implementation of the waste hierarchy and maximising the diversion of waste from landfill in accordance with current national and European policy

13.3.1 Waste Management Infrastructure

The provision of a properly regulated, environmentally sustainable waste management infrastructure is a critical element of the County’s infrastructure. Aside from protecting the natural environment it forms an integral part of the infrastructure necessary for industries to operate within the County in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The vast majority of waste collection, management and disposal in the County is undertaken by private companies and is taken directly out of the County. The Council still operates a waste collection service in Killarney. The County Council operates five civic amenity sites at Killarney (Coolcaslagh), Milltown, Kenmare, Cahersiveen, and Dingle facilitating the compacting and onward transportation of various waste streams. These facilities are licenced by the EPA to accept a variety of waste types for disposal and recovery. In addition to these, there are also a number of privately-operated waste management facilities in the County, which are authorised by both Kerry County Council and the EPA. The Council will continue to promote waste prevention and minimisation initiatives to target all aspects of waste in the County, focusing on both commercial and domestic waste producers. It is considered that raising the awareness of citizens and businesses with regard to their responsibility is essential.

The Council will facilitate the sustainable provision of additional waste facilities at appropriate locations in accordance with the Waste Management Infrastructure Guidance for Siting Waste Management Facilities 2015-2021.

13.3.2 Civic Amenity Sites

The Council also operates recycling facilities. These facilities allow for the recycling of a broad range of waste material. In addition, the Council has achieved its targets as set out in the Regional Waste Management Plan for the provision of Bring Banks, with a total of 88[1]Bring Banks located at various locations around the County. Private waste collectors also operate recycling facilities.

Map 13.2: Bring Banks & Civic Amenity Sites _{(click to enlarge)}

Civic Amenity Sites It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-29	Facilitate the sustainable provision of additional waste recycling/recovery facilities at appropriate locations.
KCDP 13-30	Sustainably manage waste generation, support the investment in different types of waste treatment and support circular economy principles, prioritising prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery, to support a sustainable and healthy environment, economy and society.
KCDP 13-31	Facilitate the sustainable development of waste management facilities including thermal treatment and mechanical/biological treatment at appropriate and sustainable locations.
KCDP 13-32	Facilitate the on-going sustainable provision and maintenance of adequate licensed landfill capacity for the disposal of residual waste at an appropriate and sustainable location(s) in the County.
KCDP 13-33	Encourage and facilitate the sustainable development of new alternatives and technological advances in relation to waste management such as Organic Waste to Energy/Combined Heat and Power schemes.
KCDP 13-34	Require significant employers and significant retail developments to provide and maintain suitable locations for public bring-bank facilities (preferably underground), as determined by the Planning Authority.
KCDP 13-35	Require the appropriate provision for the management of waste within developments, including the provision of facilities for the storage, separation and collection of such waste.
KCDP 13-36	Support the provision of infrastructure, at appropriate locations, for composting and other forms of processing for bio-waste such as anaerobic digesters.
KCDP 13-37	Ensure that the treatment and management of sludge waste is carried out in a safe, efficient and sustainable manner having regard to the protection of the environment and public health and in compliance with the Waste Framework Directive, the Nitrates Directive, the Waste Management Act and all relevant statutory instruments.

13.3.3 Circular Economy

The traditional linear model where we consume resources and generate high waste volumes to be sent to landfill is unsustainable. Policy is now focussed on building a circular economy which recognises that all resources are scarce, and aims to maintain the value of all products, materials and resources through reuse, renewal and repair, so that products are reused continually, to minimise the generation of waste. The EU’s Waste Framework Directive, sets out to prioritise waste prevention, followed by re-use, recycling, and recovery (where combustible waste through incineration is a waste resource for energy extraction) and finally disposal into landfill.

At regional level, the Circular Economy has been endorsed by all local authorities in the Regional Waste Management Plan for the Southern Region 2015-2021, with targets for waste reduction. The Council will, therefore, support the development of a Circular Economy and the implementation of Closing the Loop – the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy at regional level.

The Council supports the use of smart technologies and innovative approaches to waste management which promotes waste prevention and increased reuse, recycling and recovery of waste, with additional environmental and economic benefits. The Council will promote and implement new measures and practices to develop the circular economy at county level.

Figure 13.2: National Waste Prevention Programme

Circular Economy It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-38	Support innovative initiatives that develop the circular economy through implementation of the Regional Waste Management Plan for the Southern Region 2015-2021 and its successor.
KCDP 13-39	Support the work of the Regional Waste Management Office and all state bodies in the Region to implement the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy-Closing the Loop to ensure sustainable patterns of consumption and production.
KCDP 13-40	Support the preparation of a Bio-energy Implementation Plan for the Southern Region in conjunction with the Local Authorities and the Regional Waste Management Office.

13.3.4 Litter Management

Litter continues to be a significant challenge facing the Council.  It is clear that the presence of litter detracts from the beauty of the county, both for residents and tourists alike. The County Council’s Litter Management Plan 2017-2019 (LMP) outlines the Council’s commitment to the environment and litter prevention in the County.  It is the policy of this plan to prevent and minimise litter in the County as a whole, including the incidence of illegal dumping. This is to be achieved through education and awareness, community involvement, litter prevention and control and enforcement.

Litter Management It is an objective of the Council to:
KCDP 13-41	Promote and encourage education and awareness on all issues associated with waste management, at household, industry, and community level.
KCDP 13-42	Promote and facilitate communities to become involved in environmental awareness activities and community-based recycling initiatives or environmental management initiatives that will lead to local sustainable waste management practices.

13.3.5 Hazardous Waste

The current National Hazardous Waste Management Plan (NHWMP) 2014-2020 sets out the priorities to improve the management of hazardous waste. There is no commercial hazardous waste landfill in the State. There are limited hazardous waste treatment operations, however these are limited to oil recovery, healthcare waste treatment and solvent reclamation), meaning that Ireland is dependent on export for treatment of many hazardous waste streams. A progress report on the plan (October 2018) found that while many recommended actions had been advanced, stronger focus is needed in the areas of hazardous waste prevention and the development of hazardous waste management infrastructure to allow Ireland to become more self-sufficient in treatment and management of its hazardous waste. The Council will continue to require that hazardous waste is disposed of in a safe manner in accordance with the NHWMP and any subsequent amendments or revisions of this Plan.

13.3.6 Construction and Demolition Waste

Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) is generally associated with waste materials arising from construction, demolition and renovation activities. Landfill has traditionally been the main receiving point for the disposal of waste associated with construction and demolition building materials, but reuse and recycling of C&D waste is now recognised as a more sustainable alternative. The EC (Waste Directive) Regulations 2011 sets a 70% target for the re-use, recycling and recovery of man-made C&D waste in Ireland by 2020.

The Council will have regard to the requirements of the Best Practice Guidelines on the Preparation of Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects (DEHLG, 2006) and any updated version of the guidelines when assessing planning applications for developments which will generate significant levels of C&D waste.

 

[1] https://www.kerrycoco.ie/environment/waste-recycling-litter/domestic-waste-recycling/