Category Archives: Environment

Environment

Notice of Motion – Re-turn vending machine at Trim Recycling Centre

7 Notice of Motion
7.1 Submitted by Councillor Trevor Golden

To ask Meath County Council to liaise with the Recycling Centre Operator to install a Re-
turn vending machine at the Trim Recycling Centre.

Response
The Deposit Return Scheme, which is a producer led scheme, was rolled out from the 1st
February 2024 and incentivises people to return plastic drinks bottles and aluminium cans
so that they can be successfully recycled into new containers. The scheme is operated by
Deposit Return Scheme Ireland (DRSI) CLG, trading as Re-turn and with larger retailers
and some smaller retailers having installed Reverse Vending Machines, (RVMs) at their
premises to automate the deposit return process. Nearly 200 smaller retailers will
operate the scheme on a manual, over-the-counter basis.

The question of expanding the number of RVMs to recycling centres and other facilities
including sporting facilities is a matter which has been raised with the Department of the
Environment, Climate and Communications and it is understood that following the end
of the transition phase in June a review of the roll out will take place and any gaps
identified including possible roles for Local Authorities in locating such infrastructure
within the Recycling centres.

Free Recycling Day Initiatives – Notice of Motion

9 Notice of Motion
9.3 Submitted by Councillor Trevor Golden

“I call on Meath County Council to increase the number of ‘free day’ initiatives for residential customers using Recycling Centres which are very successful, to facilitate a greater use of the Recycling Centres.”

Response

Meath County Council provides a number of ‘Free Drop Off Days’ each year to encourage the use of the Recycling Centres for the management of specific waste streams and prevent the use of illegal ‘Man in a Van’ operators. Each year 500 tonnes of bulky waste and 1,500 mattresses are collected through these free events. The 2024 schedule of ‘Free Drop Off Days’ is prepared utilising the available allocation as agreed as part of the 2024revenue budget. When preparing the 2025 budget and developing the 2025 schedule, the number and type of these initiatives will be reviewed.

LED Upgrade of Public Lighting – Notice of Question

8 Notice of Question
8.4 Submitted by Councillor Trevor Golden

“Can we have a progress report on the upgrade of public lighting to LED?”

Response
Meath County Council is part of the Eastern Regional Contract with eight other counties that is being lead by Kilkenny County Council. Project management and programme delivery are currently under review. The actual installation is not in line with initial planned timelines; the lead authority is in detailed discussions with the contractor in respect of accelerating the programme and endeavouring to make up the delays.

Big Belly Bins – Notice of Motion

9.5 Submitted by Councillor Trevor Golden
“Meath County Council utilises branding on solar-powered compacting litter bins to promote local authority projects, services and other appropriate initiatives.”

Response
The Council has introduced in excess of 150 Solar Powered Compacting Litter Bins across the six Municipal District areas. These bins are the subject of a maintenance contract with a supplier and the Council will investigate the possibility of utilising these bins as a method to promote Meath or to use as another method for awareness campaigns.

Motion calling for the consideration of Nuclear Power Generation in Ireland.

Over the years I have spoken about Nuclear Power in many contexts including Global Warming, Energy Security, Sustainability and Government Policy. Cllr. Alan Tobin also spoke on these issues and we share many views on the subject. In October I reached out to Cllr. Alan Tobin to co-sponsor a motion.

The Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 reads:

(6) An order under this section shall not provide for the use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity.

This legislation has effectively stopped Ireland talking about Nuclear Energy. The purpose of the motion is for our country to have an honest debate about Nuclear energy and its possible role in our transition to low carbon electricity generation.

The motion does not propose or suggest renewables are not the future, they are but there is a difficult transition period ahead of us. Crucially, we don’t have the time. We believe a mix of nuclear and renewables is a viable solution for Ireland.

At the December 2022 meeting of Meath County Council our motion on the Electricity Regulation Act & Nuclear Power Generation was debated and passed by the members. The motion:

10.2 Submitted by Councillor Trevor Golden and Councillor Alan Tobin (Deferred fromOctober and November Meetings)

“Meath County Council calls on the Government to amend the Electricity Regulation Act and associated legislation to allow for the consideration and possible implementation of nuclear power generation in Ireland.”

The motion was sent to Government and to all local authorities for their consideration. We continue to work with elected members and groups so Ireland can have an honest debate on Nuclear Power Generation.

Here is a link to my notes that I worked from for the debate – Cllr Trevor Golden – Motion – Nuclear Power – Electricity Generation Act.pdf

Link to Meath Chronicle Article – Should nuclear power be generated in Ireland? – that is the question posed by two councillors at a Meath County Council meeting.

Link to 12-2022 Minutes December Meath County Council.

Road Sweeper – Trim Municipal District 2021

The following dates have been arranged for sweeps of the villages in Trim Municipal District:

SummerhillMonday 22nd March 2021
LongwoodTuesday 23rd March 2021
ClonardTuesday 23rd March 2021
RathmolyonTuesday 23rd March 2021
BallivorWednesday 24th March 2021
KildalkeyWednesday 24th March 2021
EnfieldThursday 25th March 2021
Enfield/Ring RoadFriday 26th March 2021

IMPORTANT NOTICE – MEATH RECYCLING CENTRES

The initiative to waive the €5 fee for black bin waste on a trial period at the Kells Navan and Trim Recycling Centres has resulted in overstimulating visitor numbers to the extent that it has now become impossible to observe Covid 19 social distancing restrictions at the centres.  Over 2,000 customers visited the centres over the weekend of the initiative, depositing 2,300 bags of refuse for safe disposal, some of which may otherwise have been illegally dumped.

The high level of activity presented difficulties in terms of traffic and essential travel restrictions also.  Regretfully this high level of activity cannot be sustained in the current era of Covid 19 restrictions. 

The Recycling Centres are deemed to be an essential service, in particular serving the needs of the population who do not have access to a kerbside collection service, and it is vital that they remain open during this period.

For this reason, it has been decided to reinstate the charges for household waste from 8.30am Wednesday 22nd April.  This will lead to a reduction in the visitor numbers to the sites and will ensure that the sites are allowed to remain open whilst observing social distancing restrictions and that the use of the centres does not present a health threat to visitors or staff.

The public are advised to use the sites only if essentially required and to store materials where possible at this time.

The gate fee of €2 continues to be waived.

We continue to seek vigilance from the public in terms of illegal dumping which has increased in recent weeks.

All waste collectors must have a waste collection permit.  Never use a waste collector who does not have a permit listed at www.nwcpo.ie

Report suspicious activity to environment@meathcoco.ie

For further information on recycling centres in Meath visit www.meath.ie

Civic Amenity Sites – Navan ,Kells and Trim

“Waste collection and disposal is designated as a critical and essential service  and following consideration and recommendations  of the Regional Waste Management Offices and the Local Authority Business Continuity Group the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment  have agreed for Civic Amenity sites to remain open to facilitate acceptance of essential waste and in particular for households who are not in receipt of a kerbside / door to door collection service.

The Civic Amenity Sites at Navan, Kells and Trim will therefore remain open Monday to Saturday (8.30am to 4.45pm) however the public are advised to use the sites only if essentially required and alternatively to store materials where possible at this time. It is anticipated that if the Covid 19 restrictions are fully observed activity at these sites will be significantly reduced and social distancing will be more easily achieved.

As you are aware, in order to eliminate cash handling the Council waived the €2 entry charge to the three sites for the period of the current health protection measures being in place. We have also decided to waive the €5 fee for a bag of day to day residual domestic waste (with recyclables removed) on a temporary basis to reduce illegal dumping which is become ever more prevalent across the county and presents a serious health risk to our staff.

The operations at the three sites will be monitored on an ongoing basis and changes put in place where necessary.

Notwithstanding our decision to waive the fees as above, it is a matter for the Gardai to decide if the trip is essential or not.”

– Meath County Council Environment Department

Porch Fields Funding

Porch Fields Walkway – Funding Secured

Today I received notification that my application under the Outdoor Recreation Scheme has been successful. The Department of Rural and Community Development has approved my proposal and have awarded €40,000, Meath County Council will contribute and additions €8,000 bringing the total under this application to €48,000.

Thanks to The OPW, Meath County Council and Department of Rural & Community Development.

Dear Cllr Golden,


I refer to the Expression of Interest submitted by you for the Porch Fields looped walking trail under the Outdoor recreation Scheme 2018 and the subsequent application submitted to the Department for their consideration.

We have now received notification from the Department that this project has been approved for funding in the amount of €40,000. Meath County Council will also be making a contribution of 20% to the project in the amount of €8,000, bringing the total project funding amount to €48,000.

I continue to work for additional capital funding to improve this wonderful resource. I expect these works to start in the coming months.