MEPs to investigate Ireland's environment issues

A committee of MEPs is due to visit Ireland today to examine a number of issues that have been raised by members of the public.

The Petitions Committee is a mechanism whereby ordinary citizens can express concern about decisions that effect their lives to their elected European representatives.

Galway's water-bug problem; pollution from the Aughinish Alumina plant in Limerick and the health impact of proposed incinerators and quarries are among the matters it plans to investigate in Ireland.

The committee, which includes Munster MEP Kathy Sinnott, is due to meet both Environment Minister John Gormley and Health Minister Mary Harney during the visit.