Construction waste is Ireland’s largest waste stream with over 9 million tonnes generated annually.
Over 80% of construction waste is soil and stone.
Excavated clean soil and stone is a valuable resource which is better reused in other projects.
The EPA’s new National By-product Criteria provide rules for the safe reuse of greenfield soil and stone and prevents it becoming a waste.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published National By-Product Criteria for Greenfield Soil and Stone.
These criteria allow for the classification of greenfield soil and stone as a by-product, meaning the material does not become waste. Keeping materials in use is one of the fundamental elements of a circular economy and enable useful soil and stone materials from one site to potentially be reused for landscaping, reprofiling of land and other similar uses.
Commenting on the criteria, Mr David Flynn, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Sustainability, said: “Construction is the largest generator of waste in our country, in the region of 9 million tonnes annually with the bulk of this being soil and stone waste. Embracing new approaches to design, materials choice and modern methods of construction will shift the sector onto a more sustainable path. Today, the EPA is streamlining the regulation of construction materials to promote the reuse of useful soil and stone that would traditionally end up as a waste. This opens up more opportunities for safe reuse, and offers greater regulatory certainty to the industry and stakeholders while ensuring appropriate safeguards remain in place.”
The European Waste Framework Directive puts a priority on construction and demolition waste. Construction activity comes at an environmental cost, putting pressure on our natural resources, biodiversity, and generating significant waste quantities. The scale of wasted resources and materials in the construction sector needs urgent attention.
Mr Warren Phelan, Programme Manager of the EPA’s Circular Economy Programme noted: “These criteria present a real and meaningful opportunity for the construction sector to follow a simple set of rules and in doing so reduce soil waste from sites and make tangible savings. These latest criteria are the third in a series of national decisions introduced by the EPA to support improved material circularity in the construction sector.”
Further information on the national by-product criteria and other initiatives of the circular economy programme are available on the EPA website.
An invitation to an exhibition and talk on the Tipperary Sheila na Gíg’s, by artist Brian Murphy, on next Tuesday, 3rd September at 7:00pm, at Cashel Library – all are welcome – refreshments served.
RememberBOOKING is Essential to gain access to this FREE event, so do please contact Cashel Library, TEL: 062 63825, during normal business hours.
You canlocate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).
Ms Maura Barrett (Cashel Branch Librarian) Reports.
For the very first time in local recorded history Tipperary’s Sheela Ni Gig’s complete collection have been historically reproduced in clay with some other complimentary antiquity stones.
The aim of the production was to tie together folklore, local history and the replica stones for all to see in one place at the same time.
The Sheela Ni Gig installation was created and produced over the past year by local Tipperary Tattooist Brian Murphy. It’s the first time that all Tipperary’s Sheela’s imagery and complexity can be viewed for all to see in a singular space and discussed as a whole collection, rather than a single statue.
Invitation Shrouded in mystery and mostly lost to history, this elusive figurine has baffled the minds of many for centuries. Come join us in a discovery journey and delve into some of the unanswered questions of these Hibernian Mystery Stones. Where folklore history and mysticism meet, the mind is sure to follow.
Make sure not to miss this unique and free interpretation and presentation of one of Ireland’s most esoteric characters, the magical Sheela Ni Gig.
Mise le meas, Maura Barrett (Branch Librarian)
Note: Of the 124 known examples of Sheela Ni Gig’s throughout the 32 counties of Ireland; some 24 of same stone carvings are or were located within the boundaries of Co. Tipperary. Addresses for all Tipperary Sheela Ni Gig’s are published in an Excel file shown HERE.
With the July 2023 completion of Forensic Science Ireland’s (FSI) long-awaited purpose-built facility, the 2023 report reflects on a landmark year for Forensic Science Ireland during which:-
Submissions to FSI increased by 5% overall compared to 2022.
FSI issued over 21,700 forensic reports.
FSI assisted in 171 body identification and Missing Person investigations.
11 missing persons were identified in 2023 with FSI’s assistance.
FSI identified Nitazene, a potent synthetic opioid, as responsible for a cluster of overdoses in heroin users in November 2023.
FSI progressed the introduction of an upgraded AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System).
FSI progressed the introduction of a new system for automation of DNA processing data.
FSI secured accreditation to the ISO: 2017 17025 Quality Standard for several forensic services in the new building, including drugs testing, fingerprint mark enhancement and comparison, Documents & Handwriting, Blood Pattern Analysis and Damage assessment.
FSI’s new campus at Backweston Science Campus, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge. Co.Kildare (W23 FT2X) is a major investment in forensic services for the State, which play a crucial role in criminal investigations as well as DNA identification services for missing persons.
FSI has performed strongly in relation to its 2023 targets in spite of managing a complex transition to its new laboratory without any interruption to the provision of its important services.
FSI’s expertise and analysis of evidence helps to secure hundreds of convictions a year, in the most serious of criminal cases.
In line with legislative requirements, 10,691 DNA samples taken from individuals for the purposes of generating a DNA profile were destroyed in 2023. 6,590 profiles were removed from the National DNA Database in 2023. This is an indication that FSI is adhering to the important safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the DNA Database and the persons whose DNA data is recorded on it.
FSI will hosts the European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS) in the Dublin Convention Centre in May 2025. EAFS is Europe’s biggest forensic science event, bringing together over 1,000 forensic science practitioners, stakeholders, and partners from across the forensic science community to showcase the depth and breadth of developments in forensic science. This is a great opportunity for FSI to showcase the range of talents and capabilities on the European stage and make EAFS 2025 a memorable event. It is significant that FSI’s hosting of EAFS in 2025 coincides with its 50-year anniversary.
The full Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Annual Report For 2023 can be foundHERE.
Heritage Week in next week 17th to 25th of August 2024
Below is a summary of events at Cashel Library, (adults only).
Please do remember that booking for the above freeevents is essential. Contact Ms Maura Barrett at Tel: 062 63825. You canlocate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).
Future layout planned for Friar Street Thurles, as stated on the Liberty Square, Thurles (Phase 2) proposal and prepared for Tipperary County Council by AECOM Ireland Limited.
Planning Map above showing most of Friar Street, Thurles, but excluding the street’s junction with Croke Street (south east side) and the Westgate junction joining the Liberty Square town centre.
4.1.3 Friar Street.
The existing conditions on Friar Street include narrow footpaths (1 – 2.4m) and two-way carriageway for the entire length of the road (carriageway widths ranging from 5 – 8.5m). There are two zebra crossings on this stretch of road. There is 155m of on-street pay and display parking.
Proposed layout for Friar Street.
“The proposed layout along Friar Street involves the construction of three build outs on the southern side of the carriageway. There is proposed planting in these buildouts to add to the streetscape. Two of these build outs are located beside junctions if side roads (?) in order to tighten the turning radius to comply with DMURS*. High end paving is proposed on both sides of the road between Liberty Square and Croke Street. The remainder of the layout on Friar Street is proposed to remain the same.”
*DMURS – Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.
Note the quote above states“if side roads…” same should possibly read “of side roads…”, but then only one “side road” actually exists in the map area shown; same leading south into Croke Gardens car park, before exiting unto Croke Street.
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