PRESS RELEASE

Mon 26 Jan, 2004

MINISTER CULLEN NOT WELCOME IN CORK

Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE) has welcomed the Motion to be proposed by Cllr Peter Kelly (FG) at Cork County Council today to 'direct the [County] Manager to send the Minister for Environment and Local Government packing'.

Minister Cullen has shown no regard for the people of Cork or their democratically elected local representatives.  He has refused requests for meetings from both CHASE and Cork County Council members.  He has ignored proposals submitted outlining alternative strategies and technologies for hazardous waste.

Minister Cullen has resorted to name calling, insults and bullyboy Tactics in order to railroad incineration through when he knows there are safer and better alternatives.  He has changed laws and in doing so eroded democracy to facilitate the granting of planning for incinerators.  He is preparing to implement a fast track system, which will further weaken the voice of local communities across the country when faced with incinerator proposals.

CHASE Chairperson, Mary O'Leary said, "Minister Cullen refused to come to Cork when he was invited; he is not welcome to come down for a PR opportunity.  CHASE fully supports Cllr Peter Kelly in his motion telling him to stay away, he is not welcome here."

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 For further information contact:

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

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