28th October 2004

PRESS RELEASE

Go-ahead for incineration threatens Ireland’s green image at home and abroad

The Green Party has criticised today’s decision by the EPA to grant permission for two waste incinerators. The Environmental Protection Agency ’s announced its proposals to grant waste licences for incinerators at Ringasiddy, Co. Cork and Duleek, Co. Meath

Green Party Environment spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said today that, “The Green Party is opposed to the construction of waste incinerators at both Ringasiddy and Duleek. Such proposals represent the first step towards the construction of a necklace of seven incinerators around Ireland.”

“The Green Party is opposed to incineration because, rather than eliminate waste, it encourages waste production and in the process creates dangerous, health threatening toxic by-products, which then have to be dumped. Incineration threatens Ireland’s green image in both tourism and agriculture.

“Our alternatives to incineration include better waste management practices and the 'Zero waste' option. This approach is in line with the EU's waste framework. This puts reduce, reuse and recycle at the top of waste management strategies and incineration and landfill as the least preferable options.

The Green Party believes that a good waste prevention and minimisation programme would eliminate or recycle a large percentage of waste, and do so far more safely than incineration,” concluded Deputy Cuffe.

ENDS