 1 Lr. Midleton Street, Cobh, Co. Cork 021 481 5564 info@chaseireland.org |
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Wednesday October 1st 2003 OSCAR winner Jeremy Irons yesterday launched an emotional appeal to Ireland to reject waste incineration and refuse to mortgage the country's world-famous "clean and green" environmental heritage. Irons - who owns a medieval castle in West Cork - made a high-profile appearence yesterday on the seventh day of An Bord Pleanala's oral hearing into a €100m toxic waste incinerator proposed for Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, by Belgian firm, Indaver. Looking fit and relaxed, Irons arrived by chauffeur-driven car to the hearing's Neptune Stadium venue in Blackpool. "I have no experience - I am not an expert on incineration," he declared. "But I am putting my case today and my belief that this kind of project will, in the long run, damage Ireland's worldwide image and particularly its tourism industry," he added. "Yes, I don't live in this area - but I don't have to hear it or smell it to realise it's not good for Ireland." However, Indaver boss John Ahern dismissed the actor's high-profile appeal as "idealistic". "Mr Irons spoke with great passion but he also spoke about an ideal world - a world where there just isn't any waste," he added. The hearing is expected to conclude next week. Ralph Riegel © Irish Independent http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/ & http://www.unison.ie/ |
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| CHASE - Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment, 1 Lower Midleton Street, Cobh, Cork Tel: 021 481 5564- Email: info@chaseireland.org |