Irish Examiner - 27/12/04
Roche should look at waste alternatives

THE new Environment Minister Dick Roche said recently that we must accept incineration.

Did he not learn anything from the local elections? Mr Roche should take a fresh look at the alternatives. They do exist and are much more environmentally friendly.

Even the EU recommends incineration only as a last resort. The Government is determined to convince us it is the best choice just because it’s the handiest way out of the problem.

The minister also states that we, the public, need to be better informed about incineration. Does this mean he will have a public debate covered by national television?

If so, will he invite well respected doctors and professional experts who adamantly reject incineration?

This seems only fair in the interests of a balanced debate, or maybe we could apply for some form of grant that will allow us to hire our own spindoctors and professionals.

After all, he is using our money for his own public relations exercises

Larry McCarthy
Chairperson
SURE (Safer Urban Rural Environment)
Drumdowney
Slieverue
Co Kilkenny