PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release                                                                                

May 10, 2004

High Court Application Adjourned Again

The application to the High Court for review of the An Bord Pleanala (ABP) decision granting planning permission for a 100,000tonne hazardous waste incinerator at Rinaskiddy Co Cork has been adjourned to 11 June for mention at the request of the State and Board.  The applicants did not oppose the request 

The High Court application is being made by a group of 11 individuals and Ringaskiddy Residents Association Ltd.  The challengers claim that the Bord has infringed their rights to fair procedures, to respect for family life and bodily integrity.  They allege that the Bord has breached provisions of the Constitution and EU Law as well as the recently adopted European Convention on Human Rights Act. 

A spokesperson for CHASE said “This further delay highlights the fact that Minister Cullen is misguided in his determination to force incinerators on local communities across the country.  It would be  far more constructive if he implemented prevention legislation to reduce waste.  Safer alternatives could then be examined to deal with residual waste.”

CHASE believes that incineration is:

·        Unsafe – because it poses a serious risk to human health and the environment;

·        Unnecessary – because new technologies make incineration obsolete

·        Unacceptable – because the public said No, Cork County Council said No and the ABP Senior Planning Inspector said No.

CHASE, with the support of over 30,000 people, will be doing everything possible to assist the appellants in this challenge.”

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For further information contact:

Linda FitzPatrick, CHASE PRO   Tel: 021 4374506  Mobile: 087 7410849

Mary O’Leary, Chairperson, CHASE    Tel: 021 4811952  Mobile: 086 8177737