Dredging and dredge disposal and reuse in Ireland ­ a small island perspective
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XVII: "Dredging in a Sensitive Environment" - 2004, Hamburg, Germany
Authors:
J.R. Harrington, S. Sutton, A.W. Lewis
Abstract: The port, harbour and dredging industries are of vital economic importance to the Republic of Ireland, an island nation. The commercial seaports account for practically all of Ireland's imports and exports with an annual value of approximately 150,000 million. The total port commercial tonnage is approximately 45 million tonnes.
The fishing and recreational boating industries are also significant contributors to the Irish economy. The total fish catch is worth an estimated 210 million per year. The water based tourism and leisure industry is estimated to be worth over 500 million annually to the Irish economy.
The maintenance of navigable depths by dredging is of vital importance to Ireland's continuing economic wellbeing. The historical annual maintenance dredge requirement for the Republic of Ireland is approximately 1 to 1.2 million wet tonnes, primarily from harbour and estuary areas. Open sea disposal has been most commonly practiced but is coming under some pressure. Beneficial reuse options are being practiced where feasible. Contaminated sediments are a localised problem.
This paper presents the results of a study of the dredging industry in Ireland; such a study has not previously been undertaken in an Irish context. A nationwide survey of dredging and dredge disposal/reuse techniques and practices has been completed. A questionnaire was sent to over 60 ports, harbours, marinas and other relevant organisations.
The response was encouraging, with an approximately 50% rate of completed returned questionnaires. Survey results yield detailed information on the current status of the Irish dredging industry. This data has been integrated into an Irish dredging database. The existing legislative and permitting framework, within the context of dredging, dredge disposal, beneficial reuse of dredge material and protection of the environment, is reviewed. This paper provides an overview of the Irish dredging industry, and identifies current issues and trends pertaining to dredging projects.
Keywords: Disposal, Reuse, Beneficial, Questionnaire, Survey, Port, Harbour, Environment, Ireland