Duleek incinerator building due to begin within weeks

Two Irish owned companies have been selected as key contractors for the construction of Ireland's first municipal incinerator at Carranstown, Duleek. John Sisk and Son Ltd has been appointed as civil engineering contractor on site, while PM Group will carry out the engineering, design and construction management of the €130 million waste facility. Construction of the main phase of the controversial incinerator will begin within weeks with up to 300 people employed in the construction of the plant, which is due for completion in 2011. John Ahern, managing director of Indaver Ireland said: "At a time when we are facing economic uncertainty we are delighted to make a positive contribution in Ireland and Meath. We are keen to further advance the construction phase of our new facility and are delighted to partner with such reputable companies like Sisk and PM Group." Both companies are well established, leading players in the construction industry and will join forces with other European and Irish experts to construct the new facility which represents the largest single investment in solid waste management infrastructure in Ireland. Joe McLoughlin, north east regional director of John Sisk and Son Ltd said the company were delighted to win this contract. "Investments such as this development by Indaver are essential for the future of the construction industry in Ireland. This contract represents a positive development for Sisk and Son Ltd, and we look forward to working with the team in Meath where we will continue to provide the highest of quality in construction services." Michael Lynam, director, PM Group, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this significant contract by Indaver as it will ensure over 50 design and construction management jobs over the next 18 months." Site works began on the €130 million development in September last year and is due for completion in 2011. When operational, the facility will manage 200,000 tonnes of residual waste per annum and generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 20,000 homes. Meanwhile, site enabling works, including ground clearance and preliminary landscaping, have been continuing at the site, while road widening outside the site has now been completed. Local company, Instaspace, has provided portacabins onsite which will be used as offices, meeting rooms and visitor facilities on the site. The development at Carranstown represents the largest ever single investment in solid waste management infrastructure in Ireland. But it is a development which has been bitterly opposed in a 10-year battle by the local community with more than 4,000 individual objections to the original planning application and a petition against the plan signed by 27,000 people.