Green Party suspects cover-up of health problems

Jimmy Woulfe, Mid-West Correspondent

Mr Sargent claimed there was enormous reluctance by the State to fully investigate ongoing problems on local farms. He was visiting the farm of Pat and Nuala Geoghegan who have started High Court proceedings against the giant Aughinish Alumina plant located near them which they claim is polluting the environment.

“I am not given to conspiracy theories, but if I was living in this community, I would be tempted to think there are very powerful forces trying to prevent a full investigation into why human and animal health continues to suffer and problems persist,” Mr Sergeant said.

He said Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had lost credibility by refusing to deal with the matter when he visited Aughinish Alumina in December. “If we are going to have credibility as a country regarding high standards in agriculture and food, this problem needs to be resolved. It is a blot on the government’s copy book and added insult to injury when the Taoiseach overlooked this entire matter during his December visit,” Mr Sargent said.

“The Government is acting irresponsibly in allowing this situation to fester. There is no doubt that a full new investigation needs to take place,” he added.