CHASE Press Release - 22 December, 2009
Hammond Lane Explosion Highlights Need For Planning Sanity

Several Units of the Firebrigade struggled for over an hour and a half to bring flames from an explosion at the Hammond Lane metalworks in Ringaskiddy under control this evening. The Hamond Lane site is enclosed on three sides by the site on which Indaver Ireland plan to build hazardous and municipal waste incinerators.

The explosion, which happened shortly before 5pm, was heard throughout Ringaskiddy and visible from Cobh. An eyewitnesses from Ringaskiddy said "The blaze has been going strong for an hour and a half, fumes are absolutely noxious, there are about 10 fire-brigades battling with the fire, and explosions keep happening all the time."

Concerned residents in Cobh have tried to find out what is burning, however CHASE Chairperson Mary O'Leary said "There is no environmental service available. Phones have rung out in the EPA and Cork County Council, as big black palls of smoke still pour across Cork Harbour towards Cobh.

More than ever this highlights the need for planning sanity - this is an explosion right in the middle of a would be incinerator site, where highly flammable hazardous wastes are to be stored, and which is already classified as a high risk Sevesco. The hazard posed is unacceptable to people living and working in Cork Harbour. That hazard has been brought to life this afternoon, and we need An Bord Pleanala need to recognise this."

ENDS

Contacts:
Mary O’Leary, 086 8177737, 021 4811952
Linda FitzPatrick, 087 7410849, 021 4374506
Audrey Hogan, 087 7729035