Arthurstown Landfill, at Kill, has received much adverse attention in recent years, from protests when it first opened to ongoing complaints about odours and environmental impact in the intervening years. It remains a bone of contention with many local residents, and James Lawless, Fianna Fáil nominee for the Naas area, decided last month to conduct his own enquiries and see for himself just what was being done.

“Well I was aware of the issue over the years, and more recently it had been raised with me by a number of residents, so I decided to see for myself, and find out just what the situation was now” said James.

“Whilst being located in County Kildare, the dump is actually owned and maintained by South Dublin County Council so it is technically outside the jurisdiction but nonetheless I decided to go direct and requested a meeting with the facility management” continued James.

“The facility manager, John Smith, agreed to meet with me onsite, and treated me to a tour of the complex where I discussed with him the concerns which had been raised. The principal issue for residents was odour control, which can be exacerbated on dry or foggy days, and especially in Winter. The management team noted the concerns as expressed and outlined a number of measures which were being taken to address these. Closed flares are replacing open flares to prevent excess gas leakage, also a number of turbines have been installed to redirect energy back into the national grid. The situation is under constant monitoring but the management view is that the difficulties experienced last Winter should not now be repeated” James explained.

“The landfill is expected to close in 2010, having reached capacity, and ongoing capping is already taking place across all the exposed surfaces. I appreciate the cooperation by the facility management, both in meeting me, and in taking on board these concerns in the actions outlined. I hope these will provide some relief to residents in the Winter ahead” concluded James.