Repak has expressed its serious concern following yesterday’s announcement that the Ardagh glass bottle plant in Dublin is to close.
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Workers at the Irish Glass Bottle factory in Ringsend, Dublin
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Up to 375 people will lose their jobs when Ardagh shuts its glass bottle plant at Ringsend, Dublin, in May. The closure could mean that the State may have to export recovered glass for recycling, according to Repak Chief Executive Mr Andrew Hetherington.
Repak, which co-ordinates and finances the recycling of packaging waste, says the closure of the plant will "seriously hinder Ireland’s ability to meet its recycling targets as set down by the EU".
Mr Hetherington expressed concern for the staff who had lost their jobs and said it is "critical for Irish industry" that an alternative facility for glass recycling is found.
Repak added that it will devote "significant resources" to find an alternative.
Repak is a private, not-for-profit company, established with Department of the Environment backing, that fulfills obligations placed on suppliers of packaging under EU and Irish legislation.
Under EU regulations, Ireland is required to recycle 200,000 tonnes of packaging material - including glass - each year.
Fine Gael spokeswoman on the environment, Ms Deirdre Clune, said Ireland's ability to meet its recycling targets would come under extreme pressure if the Ardagh plant closes.
"The Minister for the Environment should step in and ensure that a market for glass bottles which have been collected for recycling is secured. With such a move the only atlernative will be to deposit glass bottles in landfill," she warned.