Airline pilots are to carry out an investigation into the proposed super-landfill site in north Co Dublin amid concerns that it could pose a bird-hazard risk to Dublin Airport.
Members of the Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA), who met yesterday, decided to examine all aspects of the proposed site, including its proximity to flight paths, to ensure that there is no risk of bird strikes or hazards.
The 350-acre site at Tooman, north of Swords, has been proposed for the landfill. It will have a dumping area of up to 150 acres and is situated 15 km north of Dublin Airport.
Yesterday, Capt Conor Nolan of the IALPA said they were going to investigate the whole proposal.
"Our priority is to maintain the highest standards of air safety. We are looking to ensure that the necessary measures are taken so that there is no increase in bird hazard," he said.
The risk of scavenging birds has been recognised by aviation authorities for many years.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) interpreted International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommendations as being that landfill sites be no closer than 13 km from airport property.
Capt Nolan said the proposed site was very extensive and they wanted to know where the actual dump would be, within the 350 acres.
"We will also be looking at the controls that are planned and see where the dump is in relation to existing flight paths. The new proposed runway at Dublin Airport will run north of the existing flight paths and has also to be taken into account," he said.
They would be liaising with the National Bird Hazards Committee.
"We'll be looking at whether the site is going to attract birds from other areas, and if it will affect migratory patterns," he said.
Another aspect to be considered was that the dump was close to the M1 and this meant the bin trucks would be passing the gate of Dublin Airport.
"We are seeking to ensure that there are constraints, so that these vehicles do not attract birds on the route," Capt Nolan said.
He said it was too early to estimate what the outcome of their investigations might be.
In other cases of land-fill proposals, the IALPA had made objections within the planning process.
The pilots would also be liaising closely with the IAA, he said.
The IAA has said it would also be carrying out an investigation on any implications for Dublin Airport.
In 1996, An Bord Pleanála rejected plans for a privately-run landfill site near Mulhuddart less than six kilometres west of Dublin Airport.
The planning authority's decision was based largely on aircraft safety grounds.
Opposition to the proposal came from the IALPA, the IAA, Aer Rianta, and Aer Lingus. They voiced concerns that the dump would significantly increase bird strike risk.