Poolbeg Incinerator Ash Now Processed in Ireland
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2025/11/18 06:19:40
end to Ash exports
A new recycling facility in County meath has eliminated the need to ship ash generated by the Poolbeg incinerator abroad for processing. For years, the residue from Dublin’s waste-to-energy plant was exported, primarily to the Netherlands. This new advancement marks a significant step towards more sustainable waste management practices in Ireland.
Understanding the Waste Stream
The Poolbeg incinerator processes approximately 650,000 tonnes of waste annually Dublin City council, resulting in around 120,000 tonnes of bottom ash. Bottom ash is the non-combustible material left over after incineration, consisting of minerals and other inorganic components. Previously, this ash was considered a waste product requiring disposal or further processing outside of Ireland.
The Knockharley Facility
The €35 million facility, operated by Panda, located at Knockharley in Navan, began operations in May 2024 RTÉ news. This plant is designed to recover materials from the bottom ash, diverting them from landfill and contributing to a circular economy.
How the Facility Works
The Knockharley facility employs advanced sorting and processing technologies to separate recyclable materials, such as metals, from the bottom ash. Thes recovered materials can then be reintroduced into the manufacturing process, reducing the demand for virgin resources. The remaining material can be used as a construction aggregate, further minimizing waste.
Importance of the New Plant
“This is the first of its kind in Ireland,” stated Brian McCabe The Journal.the plant represents a substantial investment in Ireland’s waste management infrastructure and demonstrates a commitment to reducing reliance on exporting waste. By processing the ash domestically, Ireland can better control the environmental impact of its waste stream and create local jobs.
Key Takeaways
- The Poolbeg incinerator generates 120,000 tonnes of bottom ash annually.
- Previously, this ash was exported to the Netherlands for processing.
- A new €35 million facility in Knockharley, Co. Meath, now processes the ash domestically.
- The facility recovers recyclable materials and can use remaining material as construction aggregate.
- This is the first facility of its kind in Ireland.