Demonstrators protest against incinerator plan

More than 500 people took to the streets of Dublin today to protest against the proposed location for a new waste incinerator.

Poolbeg in Ringsend has been identified as a likely site for the plant but local residents and politicians braved rain and hailstones to voice their opposition to the plans.

Frances Corr of Combined Residents Against Incineration (CRAI) said: “From the beginning we have said that it is not the most suitable site as it is a cul-de-sac in the middle of the city.

“It would also be next door to the biggest sewage plant in Europe.”

Ms Corr said CRAI would be aiming to secure cross-party support when a motion against the move is tabled in the Dáil.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Daithm Doolan said it was time for Justice Minister Michael McDowell to take action.

“The minister claimed in his 2002 election literature that no incinerator would be built here in Dublin South East, yet this same minister supported the Programme for Government which demands the building of an incinerator right here in Ringsend,” he said.

“Minister, it’s time to put up or shut up.

“He can’t claim to be against the incinerator and then sit in the cabinet that supports the incinerator.”

Mr Doolan said his party was opposed to incineration and backed a Zero Waste Strategy to solve the waste problems.

Green TD John Gormley TD also called on the minister to scrap the incinerator plans.

He said: “Michael McDowell and his government colleagues had the opportunity to stop the incinerator in 2002 when the Greens proposed the waste amendment bill. But they voted it down.

“We will give Minister McDowell another opportunity shortly to vote on this issue when we present another private members’ bill.

“We will await his response with interest.”

CRAI plans to stage a mass rally in June.