Kildare 2012 - An Economic, Social and Cultural Strategy
A Vision for our Environment in 2012
By 2012, a cleaner and safer environment will have been secured for future generations, through collective responsibility for the protection and management of our built and natural environment.
Effective Waste Management
Waste
levels are continually increasing in the county. In 2001,
an estimated 52,774 tonnes of domestic waste, 26,387 tonnes
of commercial waste and 32,300 tonnes of industrial waste
were generated in the county. These figures are expected to
increase significantly over the next decade. For example domestic
waste levels are forecast to increase by 40% between 2001
and 2011.
Recycling has begun to expand in the county but is a relatively new area of waste management. It requires education and efficient systems before it can become a major contributor to reducing waste levels. In the interim, actions must be undertaken to manage the growth and disposal of waste while the recycling and reduction strategy is being implemented. Litter also remains a problem within the county with 957 on-the-spot litter fines issued in 1999 rising to 1,102 in 2000. The only authorised landfill site for the county is Silliot Hill which in 1998 accepted 188,600 tonnes of waste and reached full capacity at the end of 2001.
Goal 1 - To minimise waste and subsequently ensure its effectivemanagement
In order to achieve this, we will have to:
- increase awareness and meaningful debate around issues of waste management to encourage collective responsibility
- build on the full implementation of the County Kildare Waste Management Strategy
- reduce, reuse and recycle domestic waste, development waste, agricultural waste, commercial and industrial waste
- reduce the levels of pollution and harmful emissions in the county
Protecting the Natural & Built Environment
The county itself is a land-locked, low lying county its highest point lying at 379 meters above sea level. The county is drained by the Liffey, Boyne and Barrow catchments and is also traversed by the Royal and Grand Canals. The Liffey Catchment provides water to the majority of homes and industry in the county and there is evidence of some pollution. Within the county there are over 20,000 acres of boglands most of which is, or has been, worked by Bord na Mona and the ESB for the generation of electricity. This reliance on our natural resources to provide power and life to the county means it is critical that they be protected.
Pollardstown Fen, designated as a nature reserve since 1978 is the largest and best developed natural fen in Ireland while the Curragh Plain is a feature unique to Kildare and is one of the major amenity areas in the State. Over 1,100 protected structures form our built environment and heritage that also must be protected.
Goal 2 - To protect the natural and built environment of the county
In protecting the environment, we need to:
- protect the natural resources, built environment and heritage of urban and rural Kildare
- minimise the negative effects of growth and development on the environment
Environmental Awareness
A number of environmental education programmes have begun
in the county over the past number of years which aim to instill
a sense of shared responsibility and respect for the environment.
Notable amongst these is the Waterways Education Programme
offered to primary schools in the grand canal catchment in
the county. Building on the success of these initiatives as
well as the full enforcement of environmental legislation
is required to ensure that the environment of Kildare is preserved
for future generations.
Goal 3 - To implement effective programmes of environmental awareness and education
In order to achieve this goal, we will:
- create more awareness of environmental issues
- encourage people to take responsibility for the environment
- highlight the necessity for recycling and respect for the environment
Community Based Environment Activity
The
environment is an area with growing opportunities for economic
activity and community involvement. Alternative enterprises
for waste management, environmental protection and eco-tourism
offer opportunities for community business and social economy
ventures. The role of the community in developing a sense
of shared responsibility for the environment and promoting
sustainable development is probably the most important part
we can play if we are to protect the environment for future
generations. This is particularly important in light of the
role of the community in promoting Local Agenda 21.
Goal 4 - To create community-based environmental activity
In creating this activity we will:
- encourage and facilitate communities to become more involved in environmental awareness and other environmental activities
Development & Environmental Sustainability
The pace of development over the past decade and its continuing spread into rural areas is changing the landscape of the county and is affecting the environment in terms of increasing pollution, changes to the water table and so on. However, more sustainable methods of development exist and over the period of this Strategy we will find ways to meet our current development needs without placing an intolerable strain on our finite natural resources.
Goal 5 - To marry the needs of development with environmental sustainability
In order to meet this goal, we need to:
- plan and provide developments in an integrated way that makes current and evolving environmental issues a priority
- examine ways to build consensus between potential developers and local communities around environmental issues
