14th August 2002

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CRITICISES ANTI-DEMOCRATIC MOVE BY MINISTER CULLEN TO BUILD INCINERATORS

The Green Party has criticised the Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen and IBEC for their views on fast-tracking incinerator plans.

“The proposals flies in the face of democracy” stated the Green Party’s Environment spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe today. “The right of appeal is a fundamental principle of planning law, and must be respected. “

“Minister Cullen is trying to introduce incinerators by stealth. His predecessor took away the power from local councillors to make Waste Management Plans, and now this Minister is opting for an incinerator solution.

“We believe that communities if given the choice, would reduce, re-use and recycle their waste rather than opt for incinerators.

“We also are critical of IBEC for supporting the Minister’s plans to side-step full democratic input into managing waste.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe, TD          087 265 2075 or 618 3082