FG calls for study on impact of incineration in Ireland

Fine Gael spokeswoman on environmental and consumer protection Deirdre Clune TD, today called on the Minister for Health to commission a detailed health

and environmental study on the impact of an incineration programme in Ireland.

"The Government is presiding over an incineration programme for municipal waste nationally and now we have a proposal for a hazardous waste facility in

Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.

"The public concerns in relation to incineration are based on health fears relating to dioxin emissions and other particulate matter and these concerns must be addressed.

"I believe that a detailed definitive environmental health study on the impact of incineration in this country must be carried out in order to inform public opinion on the safety, or otherwise, of such facilities.

"I am also asking that the Government will ensure that a survey of dioxin levels throughout the country is expedited without further delay so the public and their representatives can assess the full impact of an incineration programme."

"There is major opposition throughout the country to the Government's policy of

waste incinerators. The concerns of communities of potential health implications

are not being addressed by those responsible for the nation's health. It is

time for a Government initiative to demonstrate to the people that their policy

will not impact in a negative fashion on the nation's health," said Deputy

Clune.