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Clean Ireland Recycling has struck another milestone for the waste management industry nationally by introducing the first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) waste collection vehicles in Ireland.
The company is has transformed its fleet to the lower emission CNG fuel powered engines in a major partnership with Gas Networks Ireland, developing the nation’s first fast-fill CNG refuelling station, which was officially opened today by Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD.
The station, which has been developed at Clean Ireland Recycling’s premises at the Smithstown Industrial Estate in Shannon, Co. Clare, will service the company’s CNG-powered waste collection fleet. This will, in turn, reduce the carbon footprint of Clean Ireland Recycling’s growing customer base across Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.
The company’s waste collection fleet will be fuelled from the station, with the CNG significantly lowering emission levels compared to the traditional diesel engine trucks operating around the country. They will reduce carbon dioxide by up to 22%, nitrogen oxide by 70%, sulphur dioxide by 80% and emits 99% less particulate matter.
Significantly also for the company, which has been the industry’s leading green solutions innovator since it was established almost 30 years ago, CNG will deliver a cost saving of up to 35%.
To support the investment, Clean Ireland Recycling has also invested in specially-commissioned, lower emission Scania CNG trucks and will continue to replace its existing diesel-powered fleet with CNG vehicles over the coming years. CNG is an established technology throughout the world, with 25 million NGVs in operation globally, with 1.9 million of these in Europe.
The Shannon CNG re-fuelling station is the first of a comprehensive national network of outlets planned by Gas Networks Ireland for around the country over the coming years as it meets the growing market in Ireland for cleaner fuel alternatives.
Speaking at today’s launch, Denis Naughten T.D., Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment: “Today’s announcement is the first of many in the coming months from Gas Networks Ireland, as they introduce CNG, and ultimately Renewable Gas, as a new transport fuel in Ireland. I would like to congratulate Clean Ireland Recycling and Gas Networks Ireland for their innovation in and dedication to building a cleaner Ireland.”
Clean Ireland Recycling’s Brian Lyons said: “Transitioning our waste collection fleet to CNG will achieve a reduction of up to 22% CO2 emissions and a 99% reduction in particulate matter. Not only does this make sense environmentally, CNG can achieve fuel cost savings of up to 35%, so the decision to adopt the technology is the smart choice.
“Our customers across Clare, Limerick and Tipperary will have the comfort now of knowing their carbon footprint is being lowered through this initiative. We are delighted to be the first to adopt this offering nationally and it’s a move that I believe should be replicated across the country. The decision we have made to invest in a CNG fleet is not just environmentally smart, it makes sense in pounds, shillings and pence.”
Denis O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Gas Networks Ireland: “CNG, and in the near future Renewable gas, will play a major role in making transport in Ireland cleaner. Gas Networks Ireland is determined to play our role in facilitating the development of a new, cleaner transport network for Ireland.”