22 October 2009
Speaking today in the light of news that An Bord Pleanala had granted permission to Fingal County Council to proceed with development of a major new landfill at the Nevitt, near Lusk, Trevor Sargent TD, Minister for Food and Horticulture, said “I am disappointed with the decision to proceed with the landfill on this site.
“Because of the importance to the Fingal region of its horticultural industry, supplying over 50% of the country’s vegetables, it is vital that the standard of the groundwater supply be maintained. I note that the capacity of the development has been reduced to 300,000 tonnes from the 500,000 tonnes originally proposed in an attempt to arrive at a compromise of competing agendas. The diversion of bio-degradable matter away from the landfill, which, if successfully implemented, may result in the reduction of risk of leachate contamination of the groundwater, is to be welcomed.
“I will study the decision in detail having regard, not only to the affects on horticulture and inland fisheries but, particularly, to minimise the impact on the local people and their quality of life. I am awaiting a response from the European Commission, which has been taking an interest in the measures required to protect the groundwater in the area. I am also keen to see the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency which is currently reviewing the proposed landfill.”
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