The third Oral Hearing into the construction of a 240,000 tonne hazardous and non-hazardous waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy Co Cork started with an angry demonstration, and then opened to a packed hall at Carrigaline Court Hotel today, 19 April 2016. The hearing is being chaired by Senior Planning Inspector Derek Daly.
At the opening of the hearing, CHASE Solicitor Joe Noonan outlined concern over the addition of substantial information into the process at this stage, which he stated should have been included in the original application, and warned that CHASE and others were entitled to adequate time to assess this information, that the structure of the hearing was such that that would NOT be facilitated, and requested that it be noted CHASE were continuing to engage with the hearing under protest.
Questions over the dissemination of this additional information, caused uproar in the room, as it emerged that the website by which this additional information will be disseminated is owned and operated by Indaver.
A roll call of those who have made submissions was taken, with 27 groups and many more individuals indicating they would be presenting in large numbers over the coming weeks. Representations were made on behalf of Minister Simon Coveney, Micheal Martin, TD and Micheal McGrath, TD confirming their intention to present at the hearing. Newly elected TD Donnchadh O’Laoighre was at the hearing, and confirmed his intention to speak, and Sean Sherlock TD made a presentation on the threat that would be posed to the SFI MaREI Centre at Ringaskiddy.
CHASE Chairperson Mary O’Leary said “The opposition to this site is stronger than ever, this is clearly visible by the number of people who have turned out today, and by their palpable anger at having to again face this proposal in this completely unsuitable location.
The community is angry at having to fight this project again, having invested 500,000Euro to date in opposing it. We have been bounced into this Oral Hearing, and now we find that we are expected to digest significant quantities of additional information which Indaver are going to present.”
CHASE will have up to 9 experts, and several more speakers, expected to present towards the end of this week and into the coming week. An outline guide as to speaking order is expected to be provided by the Inspector tomorrow.
Indaver proceeded to outline the project, and provide additional information for the afternoon.