THE DEFENCE FORCES have said the controversial incinerator in Ringaskiddy will need a no-fly-zone around it, if it is to go ahead.

The claim has been disputed by Indaver, the company behind the planned incinerator.

The hearing of the proposed Ringaskiddy incinerator before An Bord Pleanala continued for the eleventh day.

Today was the final day for submissions at the oral hearing of the plans at the Carrigaline Court Hotel in Cork.

The proposed plans to build a €160 million incinerator at the Indaver site have been met by resistance from the local community, politicians, and the Defence Forces.

Chase, is the local body that has campaigned against the proposed plans, and said:

It is our belief that the site and location are more unsuitable than ever. Opposition to the project is now stronger than ever, the anger is palpable.

The hearing will continue next week with questions being asked to Indaver, where submission parties will have the chance to cross examine on any outstanding issues they have.

One main issue, raised by the Department of Defence (DoD), is that they would need to apply a no fly zone around the incinerator, as it would render the naval base at Haulbowline inoperable in southerly winds.

Their concern is that the proximity of the stack from the waste to energy facility in Ringaskiddy is a matter of concern for helicopters.

This is due to the fact that this stack will be emitting significant amounts of exhaust gases and is seen as a potential hazard as it may render approaches by Air Corps helicopters into Haulbowline and Spike Island as unsafe”.

Indaver claimed the risk would be minimal, and they added documents to the hearing, prepared by consultants, which include UK based Wind Farm Aviation Consultants.

WFAC is led by former RAF pilot Mike Hale, and Shane Savage, a former British Ministry of Defence Military Air Traffic policy leader.

In the report WFAC said:

In accordance with FAA guidance and modelling the proposed chimney stack and any resultant plume should not affect operations to the helicopter landing Site at Haulbowline in southerly winds; FAA modelling illustrates that any approach and climb-out should be well clear of any possible effects.

Fred Bradley, principal officer in the Department of Defence, said “it was unfortunate to say the least” that the documents had not been made available sooner.

The DoD are expected to return next week after requesting time to consider the documents added in by Indaver.

Chief inspector of the hearing, Derek Daly, will proceed next Monday with planning issues being the first questions raised.

Cross examinations will be grouped by topic, so all experts can be present at the same time to address questions.

The oral hearing is expected to continue for another two weeks, with a decision expected by An Bord Pleanála in July.

Read: Politicians, the community and army staff are against it, but €160m incinerator may still go ahead >