Council begins enforcement proceedings over planning breach at former oil depot in Limerick

LIMERICK City and County Council has declined to comment on claims it has initiated legal proceedings relating to a former oil terminal in the city.

Documents released by Environmental Trust Ireland (ETI) indicate the local authority has begun enforcement proceedings against Circle K Ireland Energy Ltd and O’Kelly Brothers Civil Engineering Ltd for alleged non compliance with certain planning conditions.

Permission was granted, in June 2022, for the “demolition and removal of decommissioned tanks, pipework and pipelines and all associated gantries, structures, fixtures and fittings” at the former oil terminal at Dock Road and Courtbrack Avenue, South Circular Road.

The eight-acre terminal was formerly a SEVESO site, meaning it is governed by EU regulations aimed at controlling major accident hazards involving dangerous substances, especially chemicals.

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According to ETI, the removal of the tanks requires proper environmental assessments and permissions which, if not available, would constitute a “serious breach of EU law”.

It says after it raised concerns and sought clarification regarding the works, the local authority launched an investigation resulting in enforcement proceedings being initiated.

A spokesperson for the council stated: “As this is a live investigation, Limerick City and County Council are not in a position to comment at this time.”