PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: 8 September, 2003   

DATE ANNOUNCED FOR INCINERATOR ORAL HEARING

Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE) today welcomed the official announcement of the date for the Oral Hearing for the rejected proposal to build a Hazardous Waste Incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.  An Bord Pleanala has confirmed that the hearing will commence on 22 September 2003, at 2pm at Neptune Basketball Stadium, Cork.

CHASE, along with 17 other groups, submitted an appeal to An Bord Pleanala in support of Cork Councils’ decision to refuse planning permission for a National Hazardous Waste Incinerator in Cork Harbour.

“The confirmation of this Oral Hearing date is the culmination of an intense 2 year campaign by the communities in the Greater Harbour Area opposing the proposal.  Our preparations have been finalised and CHASE has every confidence that the weight of argument that will be presented by the CHASE legal team and panel of experts will further endorse Cork Councils’ decision to refuse planning for this proposed development.” said chairperson Mary O’Leary. 

“CHASE fully supports the vision of Cork County Councils’ Planning Policies for the future development of Cork Harbour.   These policies embrace the redevelopment and restoration of the Lower Harbour as an outstanding natural amenity.  Implementation of this plan has already begun with the construction of the International Maritime College, which places Ireland on the world map with regard to future maritime development.  The siting of a National Hazardous Waste Incinerator in the Lower Harbour conflicts entirely with this vision.” continued Ms O’Leary.

CHASE looks forward to the opportunity of providing extensive evidence to support and reinforce the decision of Cork County Council in two weeks time.                                 

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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