Press Release: Dun Laoghaire 08 August 2008

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Dún Laoghaire, Environment, Justice and Latest Press Releases

19 September 2008

Fine Gael 'in the dock' over water quality

Local Fine Gael Cllrs actively preventing progress on waste water treatment says Cuffe

The Green Party has accused Fine Gael of trying to block plans by the Government to improve water quality. Green Party TD for Dun Laoghaire Ciarán Cuffe said it was ironic that the Party could accuse the Environment Minister of not doing enough to improve water quality, while some of their local councillors are actively opposing a new waste water treatment plant at Shankhill in Dublin.

At a recent Dún Laoghaire / Rathdown County Council Meeting Cllr. John Bailey, Cllr Maria Bailey and Cllr. Louise Cosgrave of Fine Gael tabled a Section 140 motion to halt the construction of a sewage treatment plant that would lead to a dramatic improvement in water quality in Killiney Bay. The bathing area at Killiney lost its Blue Flag status in late August due to high levels of water pollution.

Deputy Cuffe said: "It is outrageous that Fine Gael are on the one hand criticising John Gormley for lack of action when some of their councillors oppose a state-of the art €70 million treatment plant at Shankill. This plant is vital to ensure that water quality improves, that the Blue Flag status is restored to Killiney Beach, and that future housing is allowed to proceed in the County. The Shankill plant was specifically mentioned in the ECJ Report issued last week and I am thankful their motion was defeated.

"Fine Gael has placed jobs and public health at risk by attempting to stop this plant's construction. It is disingenuous of them to try and put the responsibility for EU action at the Minister Gormley's door when some of their own councillors are attempting to block the plans of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to provide a much needed piece of infrastructure.

Local Green Party Councillor Tom Kivlehan said “this is a cynical attempt to play politics and divide a community for electoral purposes. We all saw last year in Galway what can happen when you have inadequate sewerage systems in place which is why we need plants like these to ensure our water quality is improved and our rivers, beaches and environment are protected"