I remember being involved in a debate where I, perhaps inadvisably, tried to highlight the Austrian example to counter alot of negativity that was being given vent during the discussions. It was a tough crowd and amongst the many rebuttals I heard it was mentioned that our situation was different because:

1) We do not have the track record of the Austrians on environmental issues.

2) Government does not appear to be serious about the environment (Martin Cullen was Environment Minister at the time).

3) Local government lack the imagination and co-ordinating skills to plan and design something as well run as the Austrians.

We need to properly address these concerns, whether we agree with them or not, before we can confidently introduce the Austrian example into the debate.

In 1999, while on an exchange from St Eunan’s College to the Wiedner Gymnasium in Vienna, I was part of a group that toured many of Vienna’s waste management facilities, including recycling plants, dumps, and an incinerator. I was struck by their location; many where located either in residential areas or in other central locations. I can’t imagine any of the locations being accepted in Ireland.

The Viennese are very proud of their facilities, but I’d be interested to see what the environmental lobby have to say, whether any data exist which would contradict the official view of the incinerators.

I posted the image (and the question) with the intention of stirring a bit of debate. Is this an example of good urban architecture, seeking to make a potentially controversial building more acceptable, or is this a case of trying to paper over the cracks where an unacceptable development has taken place?

I’d be interested to hear what people think about this, and how it impacts on the proposals to put incinerators at various places around Ireland.

As per Brian’s comment, I’ve donated the prize to Donegal Hospice, and added another E20 from myself.

If this wins, please give the tenner to a charity of your choice.