The Connacht Draft Waste Management Plan (Published Sept. 1999) is being prepared by M.C. O'Sullivan & Co. LTD. in association with COWI (Denmark) & Mary Murphy & Associates (PR firm) for the local Authorities in Counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo. The plan is open for submissions from the public until March 31st
next.

This plan is based on the National Policy on Waste Management (Dept.
of Environment, Sept. 1998) which policy aims over 15 Years include:
*Diversion of 50% of overall household waste away from landfill.
*Minimum 65% reduction in biodegradable wastes consigned to landfill.
*Recycling of 35% of municipal waste.

The Connacht Waste Plan proposes:
Three alternatives:
1) Maximum recycling (£25 million cheaper)
2) Recycling and incineration
3) Fastest possible incineration and recycling

The third option is recommended as follows:
*Incinerator located near Galway City, to burn approx. 184,000 tonnes of rubbish per annum, by 2013 (44% of waste by 2013, without construction waste). Four possible sites identified, Castlegar, Brockagh, Coolagh/Ardaun & Galway docks.
* Recycling initiatives to handle approx. 160,000 tonnes per annum, by 2013 (38% of waste) Residual landfills handling approx. 80,000 tonnes p.a.(19% of waste). Possible sites identified as Newbridge, New Inn and Ballinahistle (Kilrickle).
*Total investment cost in the region of £300 million.