Dublin Corporation’s Inquiry into New Dumping Site Adjourned

An inquiry concerning Dublin Corporation’s petition for a Provisional Order to compulsorily acquire approximately 18 acres of excavated clay pits on Crumlin Road for a new dumping site was adjourned until the following Tuesday. The proceedings, overseen by Mr. P. J. Raftrey, B.E., M.I.C.E.I., Local Government Department Inspector, addressed the pressing need for a new refuse disposal area as the current site at Sundrive Road was nearing capacity.

Mr. P. J. Hernon, City Manager, elaborated on the urgency of the situation, highlighting that the uncontrolled and haphazard dumping at the site, adjacent to a housing area, posed significant risks, including objectionable fires. He emphasised that under the Corporation’s management, the site could be properly filled within three to four years, avoiding the disposal of objectionable offal.

Mr. Edward Fitzgerald, Sanitary Engineer for Dublin Corporation, described the imminent need for a site to accommodate around 2,700 cubic yards of rubbish weekly. He noted that the reclamation of a similar area near Mount Argus would be completed in about 12 months, with no complaints having arisen during that process.

Dr. M. J. Russell, Medical Officer of Health, supported the selection of the site, citing its desirability and reduced risk of fires under proper supervision, ensuring public health safety. Mr. T. L. Byrne, Assistant Housing Engineer, detailed the types of refuse currently dumped, including traders’ offal, old motor car debris, and various metal receptacles.

Representing the Dublin Brick Company, Mr. S. Pullin of Messrs. Good and Murray solicitors, noted that his clients had lodged a formal protest with the Minister for Local Government. He requested an adjournment to prepare and present evidence, arguing that the company would not suffer undue hardship if access for a railway and other reasonable provisions were granted by the Corporation.

The inquiry highlighted both the logistical and environmental considerations of selecting a suitable dumping site, weighing the interests of public health and urban development against the operational concerns of the Dublin Brick Company.