Irish Examiner - 12/02/05
Incinerator hearing an affront to democracy

AS we approach the EPA’s oral hearing on the Indaver incinerator licence, on Monday, it is interesting to note last Monday’s debate on incineration at the Cork School of Culture, Chríost Rí.

It came to the same conclusion as earlier ones held at UCC and the Political Science Department of TCD under Prof Michael Laver.

In all three debates, after thorough exposition of the arguments, the Government’s policy on incineration was roundly defeated.

In contrast to the transparency of the debates, participants in the EPA hearing next week will not be allowed to address their questions or concerns to any member of the agency, and no member is required to attend.

Appellants may only question fellow appellants. The EPA is not obliged to take into account anything that is said and there will be no suitably-qualified or independent inspector there.

Like the contravention of the Cork county development plan; the setting aside of Cork County Council’s vote, and the outrageous overturning of planning inspector Philip Jones’ informed recommendation following the 2003 Bord Pleanála hearing, this situation is an insult to democracy, to justice and to the people of Cork.

Rosie Cargin
The Grove
Kinsale
Co Cork