Ministers accused of treating incinerator protesters with ‘contempt’

TWO Cabinet Ministers visiting Cork yesterday were accused of ignoring the health of 30,000 local people opposed to the proposed €93 million toxic waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy and treating them with “contempt.”

Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE) said both Health Minister Mary Harney and Environment Minister Dick Roche have refused to meet them and say exactly who is responsible for the health impact of this toxic waste incinerator.

“A top Dutch paediatrician who has monitored the effects of toxic waste incinerators in Holland has testified that they have a severe impact on babies and children up to five, yet no Government Department wants to take responsibility for the health impact of these incinerators,” CHASE spokesperson Mary Hurley said.