Press Release - 17-10-05
EPA Postpones Decision on Waste Licence

CHASE has learned that the EPA have yet again postponed the decision to grant or refuse a waste licience to Indaver Ireland in respect of the toxic waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

The Board has before it a vast amount of medical information which highlights the serious medical risks associated with incineration. The dangers were documented by international medical expert Dr Gavin Ten Tussher; they include birth defects, hormone disruption, retardation of brain and sexual development, liver damage, immunity interference and behavioural problems. These health effects can be seen even at permitted licience levels.

Dr Anthony Staines, epidemiologist and author of Health and Environmental Effects of Land filling and Incineration of Waste, told the EPA Oral hearing that ‘a proper Health Impact Assessment is necessary, to ensure reasonable consideration of human health issues.’ This was not presented by Indaver. He also said Ireland has insufficient resources to carry out adequate risk assessments for proposed waste management facilities.

In addition the site was found to be unsuitable by World Health Organisation exclusion criteria on site selection for incinerators. CHASE believes no amount of conditions attached to the licience can make the site safe or suitable or acceptable to the Communities of the Harbour.

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For further information:

Mary Hurley, CHASE PRO, 021 4813070 086 8162448
Mary O’Leary, CHASE Chairperson, 021 4811952 086 8177737