PRESS RELEASE - June 6, 2005
CHASE REJECTS MINISTERS TREATMENT OF IRISH CITIZENS and OBJECTS TO BLATENT EROSION OF DEMOCRACY

As Minister Roche continues to prepare to submit his ‘Fast Track Bill’ to the Dail, community residents in Cork are gearing up to raise opposition to the National Infrastructure Bill.

The proposed bill effectively by passes local involvement and participation, which CHASE believes is not alone undemocratic but in fact militates against communities being able to engage fully in the planning process.

A spokes person for CHASE said “It is ironic that in the Ringaskiddy case before the High Court every adjournment to date has been sought by either ABP or Indaver or the State. That is typical of what causes delays in these types of projects, and CHASE believes that the Government would serve the people of Ireland far better by giving proper resources to the Courts Service so that people’s rights can be upheld and they can get on with their lives.

The thorn in the Cabinets side - Justice Minister Mc Dowell - has been conveniently appeased by guarantees that his constituency will be determined under the current planning process. This smacks of blatant cronyism.

CHASE is particularly annoyed at the Justice Minister pulling rank when Minister Roche still continues to refuse to meet CHASE to discuss the findings of the EPA oral hearing as he claims such a meeting would be inappropriate. CHASE believe the Minister is being unequal in his treatment of Irish citizens, arrogant and closed to relevant new information of major concern to the communities

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For further information:
Mary Hurley, CHASE PRO, 021 4813070 086 8162448
Mary O’Leary, CHASE Chairperson, 021 4811952 086 8177737