PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: August 26, 2003 

CHASE SUPPORT CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF EPA DIRECTOR GENERAL

Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE) supports calls made by The Green Party on Dr. Mary Kelly, Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency, to consider her resignation following her remarks that domestic incinerators would be built throughout Ireland.

These remarks by Dr Kelly are extremely damaging as they undermine the independent status of the EPA and the role of EPA Inspectors.   CHASE supports these calls for Dr Kelly’s resignation, because in making such remarks Dr Kelly gives formal EPA support to an industry that damages the environment, and fails in her role as custodian of the peoples environment.  

Dr Kelly’s remarks will also have a knock-on effect on the confidence in the EPA process.   There will be a danger that the outcome of efforts undertaken by community and environmental groups will be prejudiced when the judge and the jury have made their opinion known in advance.

A spokesperson for CHASE said “We know that incineration is a high risk and outmoded waste management option, and are shocked that the EPA is formally endorsing it.  Dr Kellys comments directly contradict EPA policy on a number of grounds.  We believe she is failing in her duties and should resign or reconsider her remarks taking into account proper environmental standards.”

• In promoting incineration, Dr Kelly contradicts both Government and EPA  policy on the  Kyoto Protocol as each Incinerator will add significantly to our Greenhouse gas emissions, heavy metals and toxic landfill needs. 
• She also contradicts the EPA strategy of sustainable developments as incineration is an unsustainable solution.
• Dr Kelly is ignoring newer technology options, which are more beneficial for the environment and employment.

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For further information/comment contact:
Linda FitzPatrick, CHASE PRO   Mobile: 087 7410849
Mary O’Leary, Chairperson, CHASE    Tel: 021 4811952  Mobile: 086 8177737
Sean Cronin, Vice-Chairperson, CHASE  Mobile: 087 6777358