EUROPEAN DIRECTIVE TO HAVE PLANNING IMPLICATIONS FOR DOCKS

Date Published: 12-Feb-2008

A recent European Directive could have major implications for development around Galway docks.The 'Seveso' Directive was implemented after a fire and explosion at an oil storage unit in Buncefield in the UK in 2005The directive aims to prevent accidents at sites which store or generate specified quantities of hazardous materials There are 2 at Galway docks, the Shell/Topaz and the Statoil/Leeside oil depot.These depots are to merge at the proposed Coldchon oil depot site which will also be a designated 'Seveso' site.The Health and Safety Authority is enforcing the directive and has decided that as a result of Buncefield, developments within 400 metres of 'Seveso' sites are to be restricted.Galway city council is implementing this 400 metre rule subject to a comprehensive review on Buncefield which is due this June.City Councillor Daniel Callinan says this could impact on planned developments around the docks.