Burning issue that should be put to the people

AN Bord Pleanála’s recent decision to grant permission for a toxic waste incinerator at Ringsend in Dublin effectively allows the plant project to begin.

However, this is not just a Ringsend issue. Dubliners and people nationwide need to wake up to its implications for their health and environment.

Why is this dangerous project going ahead? The people are against it; Dublin city councillors are against it; the political parties say they are against it.

Many people and organisations nationwide like CHASE in Cork have already campaigned against incinerators in their areas. With everyone against it, why is it going ahead? What about democracy?

Dublin Against Toxic Incineration (DATI) is launching a campaign to get a plebiscite on this issue included with the referenda next year on the EU treaty and children’s rights.

The question would simply be whether people were in favour of or opposed to building toxic incineration plants in the country.

DATI propose environmentally-friendly alternatives to toxic waste incineration such as mechanical and biological treatments and greater reuse and recycling. It’s obvious the politicians have failed to deal with the issue satisfactorily. If they cannot stop the project, then a referendum is the only solution. Let the people decide.

MacDara Blaney

Dublin Against Toxic Incineration

Gracefield Road

Artane

Dublin 5