Irish examiner - 27/10/2004 - 11:54:32 AM

Opponents of waste incinerators to mount Dáil protest today

Politicians and residents opposed to the construction of incinerators in their localities are due to mount a demonstration outside the Dáil today in protest at the Government's waste management policies.

The protest follows the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to grant waste management licences allowing Indaver Ireland to operate incinerators in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and Duleek, Co Meath.

Speaking ahead of today's protest, Linda Fitzpatrick of the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment, said waste management licences were only supposed to be issued as a last resort, after efforts to prevent and recycle waste had been exhausted.

However, she said the authorities were turning this on its head by granting a licence to Indaver before implementing maximum prevention and recycling.

Meanwhile, a High Court challenge to An Bord Pleanala's approval of the Ringaskiddy incinerator was due to go ahead today, but was adjourned because there was no judge available to hear the case.

The hearing, which is expected to last four days, is due for mention again tomorrow, when a decision will be made on whether to press ahead with the case or delay it until the next court term.