Martin 'washing his hands of incineration'

OPPOSITION parties called on Health Minister Micheál Martin yesterday to stop "washing his hands" of incineration after An Bord Pleanála gave the go-ahead to the country's first toxic waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork.

As Minister for Health and Cork's most senior politician, Mr Martin must use his position in Cabinet to change Government policy that favours incineration, Green Party deputy Dan Boyle said.

"It is ironic that Mr Martin is promoting a ban on smoking in public places and he does nothing to stop a huge smoke pollutant being constructed in his own constituency," Deputy Boyle added.