Kerdiffstown: Public's view sought on end-use

This Wednesday (April 13th 2016) a public consultation opens regarding the future use of the Kerdiffstown landfill. The proposed end-use of the site must be decided at an early date in order to inform the 'Environmental Impact Assessment' (EIA). This EIA must be submitted to both An Bord Pleanála and the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the formal consent stage for the remediation of the landfill site and so is a critical step in progressing the project.

Kildare County Council is seeking submissions and observations from any interested parties as to their preference, on the following two end-use options, which are:

  1. Agricultural use (with no public access) Kerdiffstown Public Consultation 2016 Option 1- Agricultural
  2. A public park, with amenities (public suggestions sought on same) Kerdiffstown Public Consultation 2016 Option 2 - Public Park

Engineering restrictions at the site preclude options like housing, or planting trees with deep roots, for example.

Maps and drawings of these proposed options can be viewed on Level 2 of the Kildare County Council offices at Áras Chill Dara in Naas on April 13th from 2pm to 7pm, or by visiting www.kerdiffstowncleanup.ie. The consultation period is open from April 13th to May 25th, and you can make your views known to the Council by:

  • Emailing kerdiffstown@kildarecoco.ie
  • Sending a written submission to: Environment Section, Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare (you can download a consultation submission form at www.kerdiffstowncleanup.ie).
  • Visiting Level 2 of the Kildare County Council Offices, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, on April 13th and filling in a submission form on the day.

Please note that while there is a submission form available, we also welcome letters and emails as valid submissions for the consultation. The council also welcomes submissions from both individuals and groups.

The remediation project team will meet with the 'Kerdiffstown Landfill Community Liaison Group' on Tuesday evening as part of an ongoing commitment of engagement with local residents and other affected groups, including; the Kerdiffstown Residents Association, Clean Air Naas, the North Kildare Chamber of Commerce and SVP Kerdiffstown House. The Community Liaison Group will be briefed about the end-use options and will continue to be informed about progress on the project in the future.

The remediation of the landfill will take in the order of 5 to 7 years and the final restored site will comprise a waterproof cap to effectively isolate the waste in order to protect surface water and groundwater, as well as measures to control landfill gas and odours. Kildare County Council is committed to the ongoing management of site and the Council will continue to update the project website www.kerdiffstowncleanup.ie as matters progress.

The Kerdiffstown Landfill remains under the supervision of the Kildare County Council, using powers available under Section 56 of the Waste Management Act. The site is managed on a day-to-day basis by a dedicated site manager, a team of security personnel and other staff to control 'leachate' (the run-off water that percolates through the waste) and landfill gas.

Kildare County Council will continue to issue community updates as the project progresses. For information about works at the site, go to www.kerdiffstowncleanup.ie.