CHASE Press Release - 27-04-09
ORAL HEARING DAY 1

The Oral Hearing into the Ringaskiddy Incinerator opened today at the Cork international Airport Hotel. An Bord Pleanala’s Senior Inspector Ms Oznur Yukel-Finn agreed to facilitate community involvement by amending the presentation format. 295 submissions were received by An Bord Pleanala, and the Inspector confirmed that none of these were in support of the proposal.

Changes to the format include the applicants presenting all of their material first instead of in modular form over the whole hearing. This is essential in order to allow the community to have a full picture of the application before making their presentations. Indavers presentation commenced this afternoon, and is expected to take approximately 2 days and will be followed by presentations from Statutory Bodies, Community Organizations and individuals.

Today presentations from MEP Kathy Sinnott; Senator Dan Boyle, Green Party Chairman and IDEA- Irish Doctors Environmental Organisation Liz Cullen were heard.

Kathy Sinnott outlined site selection issues and the growing awareness of the potential of Cork Harbour.
Dan Boyle outlined changes in Government policy, highlighting ongoing shifts away from incineration.
Liz Cullen outlined health considerations, which are being considered for the first time at this hearing.

CHASE has several experts, both National and International lined up to give evidence at the Oral Hearing.

ENDS

Contacts:
Mary O’Leary, 086 8177737, 021 4811952
Mary Hurley, 086 8162448, 021 4803070
Linda FitzPatrick, 087 7410849, 021 4374506