COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

the Port area are not impacted by any Port activities and that air and water quality are constantly monitored.

DPC have long recognised the importance of sustainability and the environment, adopting an Environmental Management System (EMS) long before it was the norm back in October 2007 to manage the environmental impacts associated with Port activities and commit to continued improvements in environmental management. Dublin Port became part of the EcoPorts’ network in 2008, environmental management standard (PERS) for the sixth time [see panel on Page 38.].

Environmental Report in the coming months, which will detail the work DPC has been undertaking to ensure that the sensitive environment in which the Port operates is

“We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and continue to implement policies and projects to ensure that we protect the environment within the Port area,” explained Eamon McIlroy, Port Engineer, who is responsible for environmental management within DPC, overseeing the implementation of the EMS. “At DPC, environmental management is at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make.”

System allows DPC to sustainably carry out operations and activities to the highest environmental standards.

“The PERS Environmental Management System provides us with a framework to manage the immediate and long term environmental impacts of our products, services and processes,” Eamon explains. “It means we can minimise our environmental footprint, reduce the risk of pollution incidents and ensures that we are compliant with the latest environmental legislation.”

Environmental management plays a key role in Masterplan 2040, which addresses the key issues around the future development of the Port and highlights the capital projects needed to ensure the Port can handle increased volumes, predicting that Dublin Port will need to facilitate the annual handling of 77 million tonnes by 2040. So far, the implementation of the Masterplan has resulted in three major capital investment projects: Alexandra Basin Redevelopment (ABR) Project, Masterplan 2 (MP2), which includes major works around the Tolka Estuary and the eastern edge of the Port; and the 3FM Project on the Poolbeg Peninsula.

“Environmental considerations are central to the delivery of Masterplan 2040,” explains Eamon. “We are hugely committed to understanding, appreciating and managing environmental sensitivities associated with the ongoing developments, from the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment Project (ABR) to MP2 and on to the 3FM Project. We undertake rigorous and detailed studies in advance of these projects so we can determine how best to manage and mitigate any potential environmental impacts as a result of the work involved.” through the implementation of this standard throughout DPC operations.

All development projects outlined in the Masterplan are informed by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and a Strategic Natura Impact Statement (sNIS).

“It’s our policy to set clear environmental objectives and targets and we regularly monitor progress against them,” explains Eamon McIlroy. DPC’s targets and objectives are based upon a number of factors, including legal and other requirements, environmental aspects and impacts, application of best available techniques, operational and business requirements and the views of all stakeholders, including Port communities and representative groups.

Once established, annual targets and objectives are reported to Eamon McIlroy on a quarterly basis, and more frequently if required. The current list of objectives and targets includes a commitment to minimise emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce carbon footprint, targeting a 50% energy performance improvement and 50% carbon reduction by 2030, as well as further commitments on areas like noise management, air and water quality, waste management, and biodiversity within the Port estate.

“We are committed to improving our energy performance right across DPC, in order to minimise energy costs, minimise the environmental impact of energy consumption by our facilities and services, and contribute renewable energy targets,” Eamon concludes.

Concrete Fish Habitats and Eco-Tiles were deployed along the Great South Wall and North Bull Wall as part of a UCD study, which tested if eco-engineering units can positively influence the abundance and diversity of fish assemblages.

The forthcoming DPC Environmental Report will detail targets set and progress made in relation to air quality, energy management, climate change, biodiversity and conservation (including birds, marine mammals, benthic heritage and marine archaeology.

All work carried out by DPC is permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency via a Dumping at Sea Permit for dredging and Industrial Emissions Directive

DPC’s strong focus on exceeding the environmental management requirements of these permits ensures the highest level of environmental compliance is achieved.

International Energy Management Standard, in December

Committed To Ecoports

The UCD Eco-Structures Project utilised eco-engineering units, which use natural topography that score highest in terms of their associated biodiversity (species richness). The units are built to engineering standards using low carbon and eco-friendly concrete.

DPC has been an active member of the EcoPorts network since 2008. EcoPorts is the main environmental environmental management standard. It incorporates the main general requirements of recognised environmental the policy recommendations of ESPO and gives ports clear objectives to aim for.

explains Eamon McIlroy, Port Engineer. “We take our lead in this regard from best practice in European ports and most particularly from our active involvement in the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO). Our commitment to achieving under the PERS Environmental Management System for another two years, the sixth time we have done so.”