Local residents slam granting of incinerator licences

Local residents have slammed the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to grant licences for two controversial incinerators in Co Meath and Co Cork.

The agency said today that it was satisfied the facilities in Duleek and Ringaskiddy would not pose any danger to human health or the environment.

However, the Cork Harbour Association for a Safe Environment (CHASE) said the whole country should be concerned.

Spokesperson Mary Hurley accused the EPA of ignoring "very weighty medical evidence" about the dangers of a commercial waste incinerator.

She said that evidence had shown that children would he harmed by the level of emissions permitted in the agency's licences.

Meanwhile, the Battle for the Boyne heritage group said local residents in Co Meath also had no confidence in the EPA.

Spokesman Bryan Hanratty said the industrial sector had very strong representation on the board of the agency and "the community concerns from issues such as incineration are not getting a fair hearing".