Sites sought for disposal of thousands of tonnes of mica affected blocks

Donegal County Council is actively seeking sites in Inishowen for the safe disposal of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of mica affected blocks.

The issue was raised by a number of councillors at today’s meeting of the Inishowen Municipal District (MD).

Cllr Martin McDermott said that, as demolitions had already begun, homeowners need to be informed of where they can properly dispose of defective blocks.

Agreeing, Cllr Martin Farren added that the council should make two sites available – one in north Inishowen and one in the south.

Responding, Mr Matthew Byrne of the council’s Environment Section, told the meeting that he was glad to see interest in the proper disposal of waste.

“A meeting also took place this morning with myself and directors of Donegal and Mayo County Council about this issue,” Mr Byrne said. 

“For now, the facilities available for the proper disposal of this waste are the authorised waste facilities across the county. This information has also been given out to people who are availing of Mica Redress Scheme. We are actively looking at sites including quarries and the possibility of using the blocks as foundations for the new greenways. However, we must assess whether or not these items are safe for disposal in relation to health and the environment. If each house has 100 tones of blocks, we’re talking substantial amounts of waste – huge volumes.”