Irish Examiner - 17/02/05
Groups fear fallout of accidents at toxic waste plant, hearing told
By Mary Dundon, Political Reporter

THE 770 students and staff in the country’s new National Maritime College are most at risk if there is an accident at Ireland’s first proposed toxic waste incinerator because they on its doorstep, a college lecturer has warned.

Peter Walter made the claim yesterday on the third day of the oral hearing into the granting of a draft licence for the €93 million toxic incinerator in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

He said he had major concerns about evacuating the 700 students and 70 staff from the new college in the event of a major accident because there are only 100 lifeboats available.

“The Fire Officer has already given evidence that the emergency services in Ringaskiddy are inadequate to deal with even a small explosion,” Mr Walter, who works at the college, said.

Passage West Green Party town councillor Dominick Donnelly supported Mr Walter and said the annual figures for toxic waste had fallen in recent years and this was proof that there is no need for incineration.

Carrigaline Area for a Safe Environment representative Joan Masson gave an extensive list of alternative treatments to incineration.

Kinsale Environmental Watch spokeswoman Rosie Cargin said that there has been a series of incinerator accidents in recent years, including at one belonging to Indaver, the promoters of the Ringaskiddy plant.

Journalist Robert Allen said that studies on 14 million people living near 72 British incinerators showed significant increase in all kinds of cancers.

The hearing continues today.