Blog of Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins

SUBMISSION TO AN BORD PLEANALA BY RATHCOOLE HERITAGE SOCIETY

2008-11-20T03:01:00.001-08:00

The Rathcoole Heritage Society has many concerns regarding the proposed Waste Incinerator at Behan’s Quarry, Rathcoole. As we know, Heritage is an important part of people’s lives, giving individuals and communities a sense of identity and belonging and bestowing on them a sense of place to their surroundings. This heritage can easily be damaged by pollution – acid rain pollution, dust pollution, noise pollution, odour pollution and visual pollution.

The Windmill

The old windmill on Windmill Hill is situated only 35m from the perimeter of the proposed Waste Incinerator development site. As it is overlooking this site it is visible for many miles around. This Windmill is listed in the Record of Monuments and Places and The Record for Protected Structures (South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2004-2010).
Nobody knows exactly how old the Windmill is but it is of the same type of structure as of tower houses of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. As there were many mills built on the abundant number of rivers in the area, some historians suggest that the Windmill was used as a beacon by the settlers in The Pale to warn off possible raids from the native Irish.
Windmill Hill has figured in various records and stories throughout the years. The historian, Liam O’Broin found a reference that an execution took place there in 1641.
Speaking to local historian in Rathcoole, 87 year-old Mary Mc Nally, she told me that The Windmill building was used during the Penal Times by priests on the run to conduct Marriages and indeed, Baptisms. She speaks of one particular Jesuit priest, Fr. Warde who, after conducting a marriage ceremony there in 1743, was caught by ‘The Priest Catchers’ and hanged on the spot. The couple who were married were a Patrick Sheil from Valleymount , Co. Wicklow and a local young widow, Ms Bermingham. Patrick Sheil actually was Mary Mc Nally's Great Great Great Grandfather. It was unusual at the time for a man who lived so far away as Valleymount meeting and marrying a young lady from Rathcoole. Mary tells me that her ancestor, Patrick Sheil, grazed sheep on Ms Bermingham’s land during the Winter and this was how they met and got married. In 1916, people climbed Windmill Hill to see Dublin burning. Later locals to watch fireworks on the Liffey used it and to view air shows in The Phoenix Park and in Baldonnel.

So much for the History lesson…

Senior archeologist Gary Conboy prepared an Archeological and Cultural Heritage Assessment of Windmill Hill and the proposed site for a Waste Incinerator. He states that battering of the quarry face, approx. 40m from the Windmill will not damage the structure of the Monument. How does he know this? Surely this is a conclusion that can only be made by a qualified structural engineer? I studied archeology many years ago in UCD but I do not remember structural engineering to be part of the course. He continues, “In the opinion of the air emissions consultant, dust emissions from the stack will be insignificant and soiling of the building insignificant; the level of acid deposited on the structure is not ‘expected ‘ (in other words ,they do not know) to be significant due to the low concentrations.” Who is this air emission consultant? He does not give his name. Mr. Conboy states that Archeological monitoring and supervision of the windmill structure will be undertaken during all phases of construction. He does not say who is going to do it - nor is there any specification whatsoever included in the Report.

The Dublin Regional Authority's submission to the Bord includes very detailed information from their expert who travelled to Energy Answers sister Waste Incinerator plant in the USA. Their report has many disturbing and alarming facts including regular fires and explosions occurring there. Firefighters spent 18 hours extinguishing one fire there recently and photographs show massive clouds of black, toxic, poisonous clouds of smoke sprawling over a very large area. Chemicals and acids from such a fire would not be not be low density – the Windmill would suffer greatly - visually and structurally – not mentioning the fact that people would be evacuated from their homes and the nearby N7 would be closed for at least 24 hours.
This Archeological Report does not make one reference to The SDCC Development Plan 2004-2010. Mr. Conboy makes recommendations and proposals but nothing agreed re the Archeological Monitoring of Windmill. Monitoring of the Windmill site has never been carried out before - not even during blasting of quarry. There are no solid agreements in his report about who is going to do the monitoring.

There are 2 Peregrine Falcons nesting in the Quarry. They are the fastest animal in the world – can reach speeds of up to 200mph or 320 kmph. Peregrine populations were severely affected by the widespread use of pesticides like DDT in the 50’s and 60’s. Since 1970 the ban on these pesticides has allowed the peregrine falcons to slowly recover. They are now listed as an an endangered species. Although they have survived nesting in the quarry, Rosaleen Dwyer, Heritage Officer with the SDCC, told me that odours and dioxins will most likely force them to leave. This is apart from the battering of the quarry face where they nest. And of course if one of the frequent fires or explosions occur, (which is most likely) not alone are the peregrine falcons in danger but so are wild life for miles around. Regarding odours, The Dublin Authority report states that despite repeated complaints from neighbours of Energy Answers Plant in The USA and despite repeated efforts to subdue those odours, Energy Answers have not yet invented any method to do so. The odours persist. It must be noted that Peregrine Falcons mate for life and Irish Peregrines tend to nest in the same place year on year. An Incinerator in Behan’s Quarry would certainly be a big threat to this endangered species.

Finally, I wish to draw the attention of the Board to the fact that the proposed development is located within the catchment area of the River Griffeen. The source of the Griffeen river is high above in Rathcoole Hill. It flows alongside the Kilteel Road and then crosses under the N 7. A stream which flows alongside the proposed Waste Incinerator site empties into the Griffeen river at the N7 and then the river flows on to the centre of Lucan village where it joins up with the River Liffey. The submission from the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board states that the Griffeen system is exceptional among most urban river systems in the area, supporting migratory sea trout in the lower stretches and resident brown trout throughout.
Monitoring of the surface water after it has left the pond does not provide adequate safeguard to the receiving watercourse. Surface water from Truck wash will most likely contain detergents.
The Foul Water Treatment system is a pumped system. What happens if the pumps fail?
There is a strong suggestion here that waste water from the Waste Incinerator Site would contaminate the Griffeen River. The River Liffey is an established and well-known salmon fishing river – any contamination from a Waste Incinerator would be a disaster.
Our historian, Mary Mc Nally told me that when she was a young girl a special treat would be to be brought down to the Griffeen River and ‘Goodly’ the trout from the river, that is, catching them with their bare hands. I am afraid there would no more ‘Goodlying ‘ if a Waste Incinerator were built in Behan’s Quarry. Members of An Bord Pleanala, there are many reasons why Rathcoole is the worst possible site for a Waste Incinerator. And For the sake of our Heritage and Wild life alone, my plea is to reject this application.

Liam Mc Dermott
Chairperson, Rathcoole Heritage Society.
Also PRO for RAID
Ph: 087 6695390

RAID Meeting in Lucan

2008-11-07T02:44:00.001-08:00

The Raid committee were invited to The Spa Hotel, Lucan on Thursday 6th November to make a presentation to local residents. Pictured here are Mary Lou Mc Donald MEP, Cllr. Daithi O Dulaing (Anti-Incinerator Committee in Ringsend), Robert Ballasty and Deborah McDermott.
Other speakers at the meeting were Senator Frances Fitzgerald, Tom Dowling, Ronan MacDiarmada, Neville Graver, Christy Quinn, Jim Dwane and Liam McDermott. A very lively and informative discussion followed afterwards. This was one of the many Awareness Meetings attended and presented by the RAID committee.
To convince everybody of the health hazards and dangers of a Waste Incinerator is sometimes a demanding task but we do hope that everybody will eventually think of the future for their children and their grandchildren. It is they who will suffer most.
NEXT MEETING GREEN ISLE HOTEL THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER AT 8.00PM.
Show that you care and attend

Public Meeting in Newcastle Hall 5th Nov

2008-11-06T01:23:00.000-08:00

At the invitation of Ms. Ann Murphy from the Newcastle Residents’ Association, the Raid committee attended an information night in Newcastle Hall on Wednesday night, 5th November.
A large crowd attended and amongst those present to make a presentation was RAID chairperson, Neville Graver. Neville spoke about the huge commitment of the committee and their determination to fight the plan for an incinerator in Rathcoole. He went on to say that we need the support of everybody at the forthcoming oral hearing, especially at the Demonstration (one day only) which is being organized from 9.30a.m. on the first day of the hearing - Wednesday 12th November. Neville also reminded everybody to support the Sponsored Walk on Saturday 8th November. Assembly is at the Community Centre, Rathcoole at 1.00pm.
The next presentation was given by our legal advisor, Dermot Flanagan. Dermot gave up-to-date analysis of the legal side of things and reminded the audience that he had engaged Senior Counsel Mr. Pat Buckley and Mr. Niall O'Neill B.L. to present our case to An Bord Pleanala. Other experts in the field of Planning – Fenton Simons, and Science - engineer and physicist, Joe Mc Carthy have also been engaged.
Dermot pointed out that it was the intention of the legal team to use the names of individuals and of Residents’ Associations who submitted an objection. This is to impress upon An Bord Pleanala that the local and adjoining communities are united in their objection to the proposed Incinerator. As they say, there is strength in numbers. Needless to say the services of our legal team does not come cheap and therefore we would ask of the objectors to consider making a contribution of €100 towards the legal expenses for being represented by our counsel at the hearing. This is not mandatory and all donations are made voluntarily and in complete privacy unless otherwise requested. There will be no other costs involved.
You may contact Dermot Flanagan at his legal practice in Saggart at 01 4589800. (ref. RAID) All cheques to be made out to RAID (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins).

Biochemist Deborah Mc Dermott M.Sc. made an excellent visual presentation and told the audience about the dangerous emissions - Dioxins, Lead and Mercury - that would emanate from the proposed incinerator. Dioxins, she said were the most toxic chemicals known to science and no incinerator has ever been built that does not emit Dioxins. She also pointed out that although ENERGY ANSWERS say they plan to incinerate 365,000 tons of waste every year, this proposed incinerator would be capable to incinerate 730,000 tons, making it the largest incinerator in Europe. Newcastle village is in a direct line across from Behan’s quarry - the proposed site of the Waste Incinerator. We do not wish Rathcoole and Newcastle to be known as ‘The Incinerator Villages’.

The MC for the evening, Liam Mc Dermott (PRO for RAID) concluded the meeting with a Question and Answer Session. Public representatives present were, Senator Frances Fitzgerald, Cllrs. Dorothy Corrigan, Jim Daly and Therese Ridge – all of whom spoke and gave their full commitment and support to RAID’s campaign. Also there was Mr. Con Mc Carthy, President of the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce. He assured the audience that the Chamber was in full support of the anti incinerator committee. A number of local residents spoke and voiced their deep concern. Dermot Flanagan assured them all that we are in a very good position and that the committee is very confident that our efforts will halt the plan to build an Incinerator in Rathcoole. We all look forward to the Oral Hearing in The Green Isle Hotel on Wednesday 12th November and hope that the application for an incineration in our community will finally be beaten . The Oral Hearing is expected to last for 3 weeks. As the total cost of the Hearing will cost the RAID committee over €50,000, we welcome anybody who wishes to make a donation towards the costs.

Public Meeting in Rathcoole Community Centre Thurs 30th Oct

2008-10-31T03:24:00.000-07:00

A well-attended Public Meeting was held in The Community Centre on Thursday 30th October and there to present some valuable information were biochemist, Deborah Mc Dermott, local solicitor Dermot Flanagan, Planner and Landscape architect, Ronan Mac Diarmada and engineer/physicist Mr. Joe Mc Carthy. They all gave very interesting talks and their contributions were very well received by all those present. Joe Mc Carthy made a most interesting presentation and pointed out the many scientific and engineering faults that he claimed pertained to the design of the Waste Incinerator proposed for Behan’s Quarry. It is his belief that this Incinerator would have the capacity to incinerate 730, 000 tons of waste every year, thus making it the largest Waste Incinerator in Europe. Our legal advisor Dermot Flanagan informed the audience of all the various aspects of the hearing. On behalf of the committee he has engaged senior counsel Pat Buckley together with junior counsel, Niall O’Neill. Deborah pointed out the health hazards of a Waste Incinerator and it was frightening to hear the true facts of this project. Ronan MacDiarmada spoke about the planning and told us that one of the most eminent planners in the country, Fenton Simons have been engaged by the RAID committee. Altogether, this is a very strong team that has been chosen to represent the people of Rathcoole/Newcastle/Saggart/Kill/ Tallaght/ Clondalkin/ Naas/ Lucan etc. Total cost to the committee will be approximately €50,000.
They hope to fundraise about €35,000 which leaves a shortfall of €15,000. Does anybody have any ideas how we can raise this amount? We have to fight this monster of a proposal. The committee would love to hear from you. Remember: The first things that residents living near a Waste Incinerator will notice are: SMELL… CONSTANT NOISE 24/7…and, You will not hear the birds sing anymore. Nature takes care of its own and they fly off to a healthier habitat.
Chairman of the meeting, Liam McDermott ended the evening with a raffle, which offered some wonderful prizes – all donated by local business people. A total of€1390 was realized. Christy Quinn was on hand, as usual, helping everybody and ensuring that the night was a success. Christy Mc Donnell and Daire Winston were in charge of acoustics and Terry Ivory and Bernadette Mc Intyre from the Awareness committee provided the display in the hall. Thanks to Centre Manager, Sean Reid and his staff who ensured that everything in the hall was fully organized and well prepared. Thanks to all the rest of the committee who are working so hard to ensure that the local residents have a safe and healthy place to live in. Thanks to John O’ Leary who did a great job decorating the hall. Ivor O'Toole was also there lending his expertise to the proceedings.
In attendance were a number of local representatives, Paul Gogarty TD, Joanne Tuffy TD, Senator Frances Fitzgerald, Therese Ridge, Dorothy Corrigan and a number of local councillors – Trevor Gilligan, Alan Mc Aughey plus some others whose names escape me. Minister John Curran sent his apologies for his absence, as did Minister Mary Harney. Aploogies were also received from Tom Dowling and Mick Murphy.

Another incinerator for Dublin is unnecessary – Hogan

2008-10-29T08:41:00.001-07:00

Fine Gael's Environment Spokesman, Phil Hogan TD, today (Wednesday, 29th Oct) re-iterated his Party's opposition to a planned incinerator at Rathcoole in Co. Dublin and called on the Green Party to come clean on its stance on the development, after attending this morning's oral hearings on the Rathcoole Incinerator, hosted by An Bord Pleanála.

"Fine Gael is totally opposed to the provision of another incinerator in the Greater Dublin Area.

"Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley, repeatedly committed himself, when in opposition, against all new contractual arrangements for new incinerators. Yet he was happy to meet and hear the developers of this planned incinerator before planning permission was even lodged with South Dublin County Council.

"I am calling on the Green Party to join with Senator Frances Fitzgerald and all local Fine Gael representatives to oppose this incinerator."

Fitzgerald calls for equity of costs at planning oral hearing

2008-10-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

FG Senate Leader and Spokesperson on Environment seek level playing pitch for voluntary groups opposing incinerator in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin

Fine Gael Senate Leader, Senator Frances Fitzgerald, has called for equity of costs in An Bord Pleanala's Oral Hearing into plans to locate a private incinerator in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin. Senator Fitzgerald raised this issue this morning (Wednesday, 28th Oct) when she addressed the Preliminary Oral Hearing in The Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin where she was joined by the Fine Gael Spokesperson on Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D.

"This morning at the hearing I called on the Inspector of the Oral Hearing to address the issue of costs now so that local and voluntary groups would be in a position to participate in the hearing on an equal footing.

"Ireland is a signatory to the Aarahus Convention and under this Convention, and also under Article 10(a) of the Environmental Assessment Act, it is vital that equity of costs is afforded to all sides participating in an oral hearing with environmental concerns. It is most regrettable that the Inspector has decided that no determination on the issue of costs will be made until the end of the hearing. This adds uncertainty to the financial position of voluntary groups concerned about the impact of this private incinerator on their community."

"It is very difficult for local groups operating on a voluntary basis to be able to participate in an Oral Hearing when the costs of expert witnesses, legal advice and so on are expensive. Ireland must meet its obligations to these voluntary groups with environmental concerns,"
stated Senator Fitzgerald.

Speaking after attending the hearing this morning, Fine Gael's Spokesperson on Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D stated:
"Fine Gael is opposing this incinerator in Rathcoole and through Frances Fitzgerald, is working with the local community to assist them with their concerns and opposition. It is vital that equity of costs is addressed to allow voluntary groups put forward their case."

Wednesday 29th October. Preliminary Oral Hearing, Green Isle Hotel

2008-10-29T01:53:00.000-07:00

A U.S. Waste Incinerator Company, ENERGY ANSWERS has made a planning application to build a Waste Incinerator facility at a site known as Behan’s Quarry, 3 km south of Rathcoole on the N7. The application was made directly to An Bord Pleanala under The Strategic Infrastructure Development Plan (2006 Act). Strategic Infrastructure Development can generally be described as a development, which is of strategic, economic or social importance to the State or a region. Heretofore, such planning applications were made to the local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanala.

Because of the fact that there were so many objections (over 270) to the Waste Incinerator, An Bord Pleanala decided to hold a preliminary Oral Hearing here In the Green Isle Hotel to-day. It is expected that the first item which the objectors will raise is the matter of costs – legal, planning, surveys etc. Then the members of An Bord are expected to outline the format of the actual Oral Hearing which begins on Wednesday 12th November (also at the Green Isle Hotel) – who the objectors are and at what stage of the Hearing they will be requested to make their submissions. As this is the very first Preliminary Oral Hearing of its kind dealing with Waste Incinerators and under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, it promises to be a most interesting occasion.

ENERGY ANSWERS propose to incinerate 365,000 tons of rubbish a year. The plant would operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – noise and strong odours and HGV traffic would have a huge impact on the lives of people for miles around. Some people believe that waste Incineration creates a Magical Disappearance of Waste. In fact…nothing disappears. For every 3 tons of waste incinerated one ton of toxic ash is left behind and 2 tons are emitted into the atmosphere as Dioxins. Winds will blow these dioxins all over the neighbouring areas and when the rain falls, the Dioxins will fall as well.

What are Dioxins?
Dioxins is a generic term for a group of more than 200 individual chemical compounds. Each of these has a different degree of toxicity. They are the most toxic chemicals known to science.
Dioxins cause cancer, liver kidney and digestive tract damage,
Miscarriage and sterility, birth defects etc. The fall-out range of Dioxins has a radius of 35 miles (56 km.)

Dioxins are inhaled by humans and animals. Children inhale 25 times faster than adults and so are more at risk. Dioxins are bioaccumulative – that is they accumulate in the body and we cannot excrete them. When they emerge after a number of years the damage is done and the result may be fatal.

The Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (R.A.I.D.) committee is one of the main objectors to this Waste Incinerator. Why are they objecting ?
The greatest fear of a Waste Incinerator that the residents of Rathcoole /Saggart/ Newcastle/ Lucan/Kill/Clondalkin/Tallaght have is the emission of Dioxins. Also, the fear of extra traffic, strong odours and constant noise. They do not wish Rathcoole to be known as ‘The Incinerator Village’.

Poulaphouca Water Reservoir (6.5 miles or 10km from Rathcoole, as the crow flies) is one of the main water supplies for Dublin city and suburbs. This reservoir is well within the fall-out zone of Dioxins from a proposed Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole. That means that over 1 million Dublin people could be drinking Dioxin and mercury/lead contaminated water, if this incinerator goes ahead. Imagine a fire at the Incinerator plant? And fires have occurred in many waste incinerators throughout the world. The N7 motorway would possibly be closed down for at least 24 hours. Remember that the proposed site of the Waste Incinerator is only 200 metres from the N7!

So, the location of Rathcoole – on the edge of a 1.5 million population – and Rathcoole/ Saggart/Newcastle is one of the most attractive locations in Dublin to settle down and live. Crime rate is low. We have schools, churches, a bank and lots of shops. Beside us is the largest hotel in Ireland – Citywest Hotel with its two golf courses, Leisure centre, restaurants etc.
We are close to many attractive shopping centres - Citywest, Liffey Valley, The Square etc.
Just nearby is the N7 which brings you south to Cork, Kerry or Waterford. We are only 15 minutes drive to the road West and 15 minutes drive to the M50. We are 10 miles from Dublin’s O’Connell Street and yet when you get up in the morning and look out the bedroom window you can see the Dublin Mountains! And to think that ENERGY ANSWERS - a big multi million dollar waste incinerator company from the U.S. is planning to come and spoil it all! Are we gullible and stupid enough to allow this to happen? We must fight against this.
On the Co. Kildare border is the worst possible site for a Waste Incinerator.

An incinerator produces thousands of tons of ash every year and as it contains dioxins and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, it is extremely dangerous. There is no toxic ash landfill in Ireland nor do we wish to have one because ash landfills are a legacy of poison that must be monitored for eternity. The ash from an incinerator can never become non-toxic because most of the poisonous materials in them – the heavy metals – do not biodegrade, that is, they will never break down to simple, harmless products.
The planning application to An Bord Pleanala by Energy Answers consists of over 1000 pages – not once does it make reference to incinerator ash or how they could dispose of it.

REMINDER : PUBLIC MEETING IN RATHCOOLE COMMUNITY CENTRE THIS THURSDAY 30th OCTOBER AT 8.30 pm . YOUR SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE ATTEND AND SHOW THAT YOU CARE

Other objectors include;
The National Roads Authority, South Dublin Council and all its councilors, Ted Walsh, Goffs Bloodstock Agency, Punchestown and Naas Racecourses, Tallaght Residents’ Umbrella, Cavan Developments, Garyaron Homes Ltd. Maplewood Developments, Lamberton Developments, LM Developments, Mc Hale Plant Hire, Dublin Regional Authorities, The Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, An Taisce, Kildare C. Council Planning Authority, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, Ministerrof State, John Curran, Brian Hayes TD, Paul Gogarty TD, Rathcoole Heritage Society etc etc.

Liam Mc Dermott PRO for Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (RAID)
Phone: 087 6695390

PLAY YOUR PART IN PREVENTING INCINERATOR AT RATHCOOLE

2008-10-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

Press Release
28 October 2008

Tom Dowling, Green Party Candidate for Lucan area in the local election, is seeking your support in opposing plans to build an incinerator at Behan’s Quarry off the N7 beyond Rathcoole Village (less than 12km from Lucan).

An Bord Pleanála will begin a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, 29 October at the Green Isle Hotel commencing at 10am. Please come along and show your support if you have the time.

This is the most detrimental proposal ever to hit West Dublin. Plans are to process 365,000 tonnes of waste a year, 7 days a week.

Producing a toxic by-product called “Fly Ash”; studies have consistently found this ash to contain heavy metals dioxins, acid gas constituents and other pollutants in excess of regulation standards.

This plant will have a serious effect on air quality, people’s health, and water drainage within a 40km radius.

The Green Party has always been and remains opposed to incineration. I was part of the Dublin Mid West Green working group that lodged a detailed and comprehensive submission seeking its rejection.

At present Poolbeg is the preferred site for a waste to energy plant which meets the needs of the four Dublin authorities. This proposal at Rathcoole is overcapacity for this region which will mean waste will have to be transported from other areas of the country and possibly abroad.

It should be noted that both the Management of South Dublin and the Councillors are at one in their opposition to this application.

Minister John Gormley is currently bringing forward a new greener government policy on waste management that would make incineration redundant.

Current recycling rates for six months in 2008 for South Dublin are just 23.18% while 79.16% of waste ended up in landfill. We can all play our part to increase the amount we recycle, reducing our need for both incineration and landfill.

On my website I have set up a click facility - this will probably be your final chance to register your objection to this proposed incinerator.

All messages generated on this site will be collated and delivered by me to the Inspector on the first full hearing date which takes place on Wednesday 12th of November 2008.

Register your objection now – visit www.tomdowling.ie.

RAID Golf Classic pictures

2008-10-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

The fundraising committee from RAID held their Charity Golf Classic in Killeen Golf Club on Friday 17th October. The main organizer of the event was John Donoghue, ably assisted by his friend Chris Donoghue. Then the fund-raising sub-committee from Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins led by chairperson Neville Graver came on board and provided excellent assistance to the organizing team.

A marvellous day for golf, together with a course that was in magnificent shape ensured that all the teams taking part had a most enjoyable day. The Greenkeeper deserves great praise for all his hard work. Many thanks to the courteous and helpful staff of the Killeen Golf Club, not forgetting the chef and his catering staff who provided a beautiful meal for all participants.

The organizing committee is deeply indebted to everybody who purchased teams and tee boxes. We also thank those who provided prizes, especially our legal advisor, solicitor Dermot Flanagan. He supplied the mens’ 1st and 2nd team prizes. He also donated a putter to the winner of the longest drive and a driver to the winner of ‘nearest the pin’. Thanks Dermot. A word of gratitude to all the business people in the area who donated spot prizes. A special thanks goes to both Punchestown and Naas Racecourses who donated Annual Badges to our committee for the year 2009.We hope to raffle those at our Public Meeting in The Community Centre on Thursday 30th October at 8.30pm.

The ladies’ prize of the day was won by one of John Donohue’s teams, led by Rita Hayes. The mens’ 1st prize was won by Louis Fitzgerald’s team. 2nd prize went to the team entered by Ted Walsh. The 3rd prize was won by RDK construction and the 4th prize went to Con Mc Carthy’s team. ( Greenogue Industrial Estate.)
Winner of the longest drive was Terry O’Mahony. The prize for the ball ‘nearest the pin’ on the par 3 was won by Wayne Mc Cabe. Presentation of prizes was made By Liam Mc Dermott, Christy Quinn and Neville Graver.

All monies raised will go towards our central funds set up to fight the Planning Application for a Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole. It is expected that a total profit of approx. €14,000 was made. We shall need €40,000 to €50,000 to pay the costs of Oral Hearing. Always support us.
PLEASE LOOK AT SOME PICTURES TAKEN IN KILLEEN GOLF CLUB.

RAID Public Meeting in Rathcoole

2008-10-20T03:02:00.001-07:00

An Bord Pleanala has announced that the Oral Hearing objections to the proposed waste incinerator at Behan’s Quarry on the N7 will be heard in the Green Isle Hotel, Dublin.
The preliminary oral hearing will be held on Wednesday 29th October at 10.00am
The full hearing will begin on Wednesday 12th November – also at 10.00am.

The Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxin (RAID) committee is holding a Public Meeting in The Community Centre, Rathcoole on Thursday 30th October at 8.30 pm. This meeting is to inform the public of the latest developments in their fight against the construction of the waste incinerator in Rathcoole.

Your support and your attendance at this meeting is important. We are all aware of the serious health hazards caused by the emissions of dioxins from Waste Incinerators. Health experts throughout the world tell us that these dioxins are long-lived and eventually cause cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, birth defects, skin irritations etc.

Some waste incinerator operators would like us to believe that waste incineration ‘Creates a Magic Disappearance of Waste’. Far from it… The waste does not ‘disappear’. For every 3 tons of waste incinerated, one ton comes out as contaminated ash. The rest goes up in the air as poisonous exhaust gases (dioxins – the most toxic chemical known to science) and when the rain comes down, humans and animals inhale this poison. It also falls on the ground, contaminating our food and livestock.

To fight this monster of a planning proposal, your support and attendance at the Public Meeting is vital. It is important to note that the RAID committee has engaged a full team of experts to represent you at this hearing. To receive full information, please visit the website: http://rathcooleincinerator.org

Liam McDermott PRO for RAID

PRESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2008

2008-10-14T06:46:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 25th November is the date that An Bord Pleanala is expected to announce its decision on the proposed Waste Incinerator at Behan’s Quarry on the N7, near Rathcoole Co. Dublin.
It is envisaged that the oral hearings will take place in October /November
Over 290 objections to this project were received by An Bord Pleanala - from local residents, South Dublin County Council, local planning authority, local representatives, business and corporate interests , the horse racing industry, farmers, local developers, National Roads Authority and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.

The objection from the NRA (National Roads Authority) is a most powerful and interesting submission.
“On reading this objection alone, I cannot possibly perceive how An Bord Pleanala could grant planning permission for this Waste Incinerator on the N7”, states Liam Mc Dermott, PRO for R.A.I.D. (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins).
Traffic surveys undertaken by the NRA indicate that HGV’s account for 16.4% of all present traffic on the N7 and as this figure is above the accepted level for motorways of this nature throughout the world, any further increase could cause serious bottlenecks and severe traffic disruption.
The NRA goes on to state that this development proposal should be refused permission as it fails to adequately demonstrate how the resulting traffic will be accommodated by the road network. The developers, Energy Answers, have made no allowance within their traffic analysis or modelling for the high percentage of HGV traffic currently utilizing the N7. The NRA note that the assessment by Energy Answers shows anticipated road capacity to be significantly over- estimated and their development proposals therefore create a real risk of congestion on the N7.
The NRA also state that the development proposal should be refused on two further grounds – (a) Insufficient detail has been presented to demonstrate that the road safety issues raised in The Road Safety audit have been addressed. Furthermore, the NRA is of the view that other safety issues are in evidence at this location and have not been addressed e.g.
The gradient of the access and exit roads.
High risk of serious accidents on the N7.
Inadequate drainage provision.
Excessive dust/debris being carried onto the N7 from the quarry site.
No advanced warning signs. (b) The development access may be premature pending the determination of road upgrade proposals for this section of the N7. Interestingly, this is also a concern of the chief planning officer for South Dublin Council who has also submitted a detailed objection to this development.

The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board has also lodged a very serious objection to a Waste Incinerator at Behan’s Quarry. Their objection points to the fact that the proposed development is located within the catchment area of the river Griffeen. The Griffeen river is exceptional among most urban river systems in the area . It supports migratory sea trout in the lower stretches of the river while it also supports resident brown trout throughout. Salmonoid water constraints apply to any development site and drain to the river network. Only clean, uncontaminated water should leave the development site and drain to the river network.
The planning application for this development does not deal adequately with the monitoring of waste water.
In their submission, The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board ask : How will waste water from the Truck/Vehicle wash area be disposed of , particularly as it will contain detergent and other chemicals ?
How will waste water from the hardstanding area used for the drying and curing of the concrete blocks be disposed of?
Has there been any assessment made of the impact of all wastewaters that will flow into the Griffeen water system?
They further state that the Foul Water treatment system proposed is a pumped water system. There are no precautions put in place in the planning application to deal with such problems as pump failure.
The location and availability of suitable landfills for the disposal of boiler aggregate and Fly Ash (highly toxic and does not biodegrade – that means it does not break down into a simple, harmless product) is not addressed in the planning application for this development.

The R.A.I.D. (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins) Committee has also submitted a very detailed objection to a Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole and it has engaged a formidable team of legal, planning and scientific experts to represent them at the forthcoming Oral Hearing. To pay for costs that will be incurred, they have organized some fund-raising activities, including a Golf Classic in Killeen Golf Club (in Co. Kildare but close to Rathcoole) on Friday 17th October next. Any member of the public who wishes to provide some sponsorship for this event may contact any committee member in Rathcoole, including the PRO, Liam Mc Dermott.

The fall-out from any Waste Incinerator affects a 30- 35 mile radius and it is therefore important to realise that a Waste Incinerator in Rathcoole – on the edge of Dublin city and close to counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow - will affect all human, animal and wild life in those areas.

Liam Mc Dermott PRO for RAID

LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS? - LOCK UP YOUR WINDOWS!

2008-10-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

Henry Fielding’s hit musical, “Lock Up Your Daughters” comes to mind when one is made aware of the proposed plans for a Waste Incinerator at Behan’s Quarry, 3 km south of Rathcoole on the N7. The planning application was made by US company Energy Answers. Oral hearings for this planning application will take place in The Green Isle Hotel on Wednesday 12^th November and with 280 objections, it is expected that they will last for several weeks.

In a detailed 32 page submission by the Dublin Regional Authority, they point out that the escape of strong odours from the proposed facility will impinge greatly on the residents of the local area. The Authority’s very well researched statement points out that SEMASS, the company who will operate the plant, ‘has experienced persistent complaints regarding odours from another facility that they operate in the USA – these odours are believed to be associated with the shredding operation’. Although the use of odour suppression to alleviate these smells have been used, more permanent technologies may be required to guarantee cleaner air in the vicinity of a waste incinerator site. These technologies will incur significant additional expenditure and there is no evidence that this technology is yet available or invented.

So, if An Bord Pleanala grants Energy Answers planning permission to build a waste incinerator in Behan’s Quarry , on the edge of Dublin city on the N7, the thousands of motorists who use this roadway will not be requested to lock up their daughters, but instead, Lock Up Your Windows . The odours will be unbearable. And what about local residents ? They will have to lock up all their windows – in homes and in their vehicles. Considering that the Kill Landfill site is 8 km from Rathcoole, odours from this facility reach the village of Rathcoole on a regular basis. This very serious point will be debated by many of the objectors at the hearing.

Noise levels and visual impact from the proposed site will degrade the social fabric of communities for miles around. The Dublin Regional Authority further add in their report that Energy Answers propose to incinerate 1000 tons of waste per day, which they assume will result that the facility will be in operation 24 hours a day, for 365 days a year. For thousands of households that, of course will mean, lock up your windows 365 days a year !

Planning approval has already been granted to Dublin City Council, on behalf of all four authorities, (The Dublin Regional Authority) for the construction of the Waste Incinerator facility in Minister Gormley’s own constituency on the Poolbeg Peninsula. The Dublin Regional Authority remind us that this approval was sought on the basis that the four authorities had agreed that this development would be the Region’s sole Waste Incinerator facility. The construction of another waste incinerator at a location identified as unsuitable by all four authorities is clearly contrary to this policy objective.

It must be noted that personnel from The Dublin Regional Authority have visited some of Semass plants in the US and they have noted concern in their submission that frequent fires and explosions have occurred in the waste processing areas. Imagine a fire adjacent to the N7? And the Dioxin emissions? Most likely the N7 would be closed down for at least 24 hours. “On this basis alone, it is difficult to imagine An Bord Pleanala granting planning permission for a Waste Incinerator facility to be built at Behan’s Quarry on the N7”, cites Liam Mc Dermott, PRO for Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (R.A.I.D.)

We are aware that Energy answers sold its waste incinerator assets last year to a company called Covanta . And now The Dublin Regional Authority engineers are concerned that Energy Answers is a shell organization with limited planning, technical, operational and commercial expertise or experience.

The Dublin Regional Authority also mention other concerns such as the air quality and the disposal of the thousands of tons of toxic ash that such a facility would create every year.

Both the National Roads Authority (NRA) the Dublin Regional Authority have grave concerns about the extra traffic that such a large Waste Incinerator plant as this would cause. The NRA say in their submission that such extra traffic would result in traffic congestion and major accidents could occur at the entrance/exit to Behan’s Quarry site on the N7.

In a submission by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, they point out that the proposed development is in the catchment area of the nearby Griffeen river. This river supports migratory sea trout in its lower stretches and resident brown trout throughout. Contaminated water from a Waste Incinerator would cause great damage to the continued life of these fish.

Other strong objections were received by An Bord Pleanala from many Residents and Residents’ Associations in the surrounding areas.

Objections were also received from The Irish Aviation Authority, An Taisce, The Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Rathcoole Heritage Society, Cavan Developments Bloodstock, Goffs Bloodstock Agency, Horse trainer Ted Walsh, Punchestown and Naas Racecourses, Kill International Equestrian Centre, Kill, Irish Thoroughbreed Association, Lamberton Properties, Mc Hale Hire, Kildare County Council Planning Section, Dublin City Council Waste Service Division, The Native Woodland Trust , elected members of Dail Eireann and many local county councilors.

In the eyes of many professionals it is very difficult to comprehend planning approval for this project getting the go ahead. If planning is given it will be a matter of Locking Up Your Windows permanently.

Liam Mc Dermott PRO for RAID (Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins)

Bord Pleanála Submissions show Massive Opposition to Incinerator

2008-08-07T07:31:00.001-07:00

The huge numbers of observations made by interested parties to the 'fast-track' application for the Incincerator at Rathcoole in South-West Dublin and on the Kildare Border are proof of the overwhelming opposition to this proposed development. Over 260 observations were lodged with An Bord Pleanála before the deadline of the 24th July. These came from a wide range of sources - individuals, public representatives, community groups, residents's associations, businesses of all types - manufacturing, equestrain, services etc.

Here are just a few of those who took the time and trouble to submit an observation:

Rathcoole Active Age Retirement Association
Tallaght Residents and Community Umbrella
Rathcoole Community Youth Services
Lower Crumlin Residents' Association
Bawnogue Youth Community Association
South Dublin Conservation Society
The Native Woodland Trust
Cavan People Against Incinceration
Kildare International Equestrian Centre

The full list can be downloaded here as a PDF from the Bord Pleanála website and, as you will see, our public representatives certainly responded to the overwhelming local demand for representation on this issue. Sincere thanks to all who sent in observations. It really is good to know that so many people both in our own area and further afield feel strongly about the incineration issue.

The Price of 'Free' Speech
It is also worth noting that the 260 (plus) observations, costing €50 each, have netted An Bord Pleanála a windfall of €13,000.

With this level of commitment to opposing the incinerator, we have every right to expect an oral hearing on the matter.

Proposed Incinerator Poses Health Concerns - Article in "Dublin People" 23 July 2008

2008-07-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

A massive incinerator proposed for southwest Dublin, that would be the largest in Europe if it gets the go ahead, could pose a serious health risk to local residents, it has been claimed. A noted physicist from the Southside, who is one of the main opponents to the Ringsend incinerator, claims that plans for the Rathcoole facility - which will bypass the normal planning process - are flawed.

Joe McCarthy from Sandymount, who is a physicist and qualified engineer, is also the man who exposed the electronic voting scandal that saw over €50 million being spent by the Government on mahcines that never worked.

Full article available here.

Leading Trainer Says €200m Incinerator Will Harm Thoroughbreds

2008-07-24T02:52:00.000-07:00

From The Irish Independent 22 July 2008

A CHAMPION racehorse trainer has said he is confident a planning application by a US company to build an incinerator will be rejected.

Ted Walsh, who trained English Grand National winner Papillion, has said the incinerator "makes no sense whatsoever". Energy Answers International (EAI) is seeking permission to build the €200m waste facility in an old quarry off the N7 at Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.

If it goes ahead, it will handle 365,000 tonnes of waste annually. But Mr Walsh has expressed serious concern for the welfare of racehorses in Co. Kildare if the plans go ahead. "Horses are very susceptible to all things. Punchestown and Naas racecourses are just up the road. We have Goffs and there are 25 stud farms within seven or eight miles of the site -- it would definitely make life very difficult for us."

Mr Walsh is hopeful that An Bord Pleanala will consider the objections of the equine industry to the massive incinerator. "I think An Bord Pleanala do things pretty well and they have to hear every application as part of due course." Labour TD Emmet Stagg has lodged an objection with the planning board against the incinerator.

In his objection he highlighted how the former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dail that the overall requirement nationally for incineration was in the order of 400,000 tonne per annum in the next seven years and that "in the eastern region at present capacity was double that with 800,000 tonnes provided for in Carnstown in Co Meath and at Poolbeg".

Mr Stagg also said the scale of the furnace would lead to "substantial emissions" close to residents living nearby. "These toxic emissions will pose an unacceptable risk to people and there is no safe threshold for carcinogenic emissions."

He outlined other concerns on increased traffic and of the impact an incinerator would have on the equine industry in Co Kildare.

"There are eight stud farms and horse training facilities in Co Kildare within 5km of the proposed incinerator.

The incinerator would seriously damage the environment of these facilities and would be incompatible development, similar to the recent proposal at Coolmore."

- Eimear Ni Bhraonain

Irish Times article 22 July 2008

2008-07-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

Incinerator plan raises pollution and traffic fears

Report by MARTIN RYAN

AN INCINERATOR which is proposed for the Rathcoole area of south Co Dublin has become the subject of significant protest and criticism among local residents.

An application was lodged with An Bord Pleanála last May by a US company, Energy Answers International.

It is seeking permission to construct the facility at a place known locally as Behan's Quarry, close to the main Naas Road/N7 motorway.

The planning application comes under the Strategic Infrastructure Bill 2006 which enables the fast-tracking of planning applications for projects deemed to be of a particular infrastructural significance, and as such bypasses any requirement to go through the local council's planning procedure.

The proposal has met with criticism from South Dublin County Council, and was strongly opposed at last week's council meeting, according to Cllr John Hannon (FF), who said there was a broad cross-party objection to the proposal.

Martin Judge from the council's planning department said they have undertaken a study of the likely effects of the incinerator, and the subsequent report unequivocally advised against any support for such a facility.

He said "the council has submitted objections to the planning application on the basis that the proposal does not comply with the Dublin regional waste management plan, and also because of concerns over the expected traffic problems which will be generated by the facility".

Local objections in Rathcoole are being led by a group called Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (Raid), which has held a series of public meetings in the area in the past few weeks.

Liam McDermott, secretary of Raid, said "our information is that the emissions likely to come out of this facility represent a danger to thousands of people in the surrounding area when the prevailing wind distributes them".

He said "the local environment for miles around will be polluted consistently for years".

"It should be considered that this area includes an equine industry worth in excess of €1 billion per year, as well as the Poulaphouca reservoir which in only six miles away from the site," he said.

Ted Walsh, one of the leading horse trainers in Ireland, has his business located within four miles of the proposed incinerator site, and has also objected strongly to the planning application.

He said an incinerator in that location, with the winds blowing in every direction, is likely to spread ash across the countryside and affect the quality of grazing for horses.

"Obviously, the effects on people is the most important thing, but Kildare is a great county for horses, with studs and farms that have produced Grand National and Gold Cup winners, and to have something like this built a few miles up the road would be a disaster."

Gerry O'Sullivan of Energy Answers International said the proposed facility was of huge importance and "would be capable of handling 365,000 tonnes of residual municipal waste per year, and would produce enough energy to power over 43,000 homes in the Dublin area".

He said Energy Answers International believed there was no basis to concerns over a significant increase in traffic in the area.

"The facility would be constructed within the quarry site, selected as the most appropriate location because it is close to existing waste-management infrastructure and transport routes," he said.

"It will have a dedicated exit from the N7, and as far as we are concerned there are no significant implications for local traffic in the area."

Mr O'Sullivan said "Energy Answers International has an open office on this matter, and is happy to discuss the matter and allay any concerns".

Tomorrow is the last day for objections to the planning permission application with An Bord Pleanála.

A final decision is expected towards the end of this year.

Update from RAID on Opposition to the Incinerator 16 July 2008

2008-07-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

RAID had another successful meeting in Rathcoole Community School on Wednesday 16th July. Over 200 people attended the meeting, including many of the local Councillors and Senator, which was called to update the residents of the progress made so far. Some of the main points that came out of the meeting were;

Objection prepared by planning consultants is complete and will be lodged today Friday 18^th of July
We hope to focus our attention on intensifying the media coverage over the next couple of weeks
We have made contact with a number of other anti-incineration groups with a view to sharing information and strengthen the collective efforts of all the individual groups
Fundraising will be a priority in the coming weeks to ensure that sufficient funds are available to pay the experts required at the oral hearing. Many of these experts will give of their time freely but others will require payment. An oral hearing will continue for weeks.
We want to remind people that the deadline for objecting is July 23^rd and draft letters of objection are available on the web site and at the Rathcoole Community Centre.
It was noted that South Dublin County Council’s manager has recommended refusal of this project with the backing of all the local Councillors. It was emphasised that An Bord Pleanala (ABP) have the power to over-rule the manager’s decision citing ‘Government Policy’ as a reason to grant permission. Therefore we urge everyone to firstly object to ABP to show the ground swell of support for RAID and secondly to lobby the politicians who can influence government policy.

Many thanks to all those who attended the meeting last night. It is a great encouragement to all the committee members who are working hard on our behalf. The sum of €2,300 was raised on the night between car bumper stickers, the Sean Reid bucket at the door and some private donations. Very, very sincere thanks to all who donated and everyone who has supported us in other ways.

Incinerator Cancer Threat - report in The Leinster Leader 11 July 2008

2008-07-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some extracts from an article by Laura Coates on the Anti-Incinerator meeting in Kill, Co. Kildare on Wednesday night, 9th July.

"It is a hoax. It is a scam. This is the worst pieve of infrastructure development for this country. This, from a recycling company director, Craig Benton, was just one of the arguments put to a packed public meeting in Kill to rally opposition to the proposed incinerator at Behan's Quarry in Rathcoole.

Kill residents who have battled a local landfill expressed their shock that they are now expected to accept an incinerator on their doorstep.

Biochemist Dr Rebecca Griffin said cancers and childhood developmental problems have been associated with dioxins produced by incinerators.

Councillor Mary Glennon said that she would start a campaign in Naas to get the residents there involved in the fight.

Template letters of objection can be downloaded from www.rathcooleincinerator.org

FULL report available here.

Councillors Oppose New Incinerator for Capital - article in Evening Herald 15 July 2008

2008-07-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Councillors in South Dublin have angrily dismissed plans for an incinerator in the Rathcoole area. If the plan is approved it would be the third incinerator to be given permission in the Dublin area. It now seems unlikely to go ahead as the council has unanimously oppposed it and communicated this to An Bord Pleanála, who have the final say.

Five separate motions, all rejctin the incinerator were agreed upon by the Council.

Green Party Councillor, Tony McDermott said "The Green Party opposes incineration as not necessary and too risky."

Councillor Mick Murphy rejected the plans on health and safety grounds, saying that the stack for the incinerator, while 84m highm would only stick above the ground 9m and blow emissions at a low level. He added that until recycling reaches 50% they should not be thinking of incineration.

Labout Councillor, Paddy Cosgrave, acknowledged that people may view the decision as only locals being opposed to the incinerator, but said residents in towns further away were also concerned. "I live in Rathfarnham and residents there are against it. People are fearful of being downwind of the fumes" he said.

Labour Councillor, Eamonn Maloney, was sceptical of the idea that Dublin needs another incinerator. "We should put this in perspective. Dublin by European standards is a very small city" he said. "Can anyone stand up and ssay that a city of 1.3 million people will create enough waste to fee three incinerators?"

Independent Guss O'Connell agreed, saying, "If we did it we'd have to feed the monster" and we "are wasting nature's resources" while John Hannon, Fianna Fáil, said "we'd be importing waste from other countries." He said he was also worried that the contract could be sold to a less reliable operator in the future and become more dangerous.

Other councillors resented having to make submissions to An Bord Pleanála, who are unelected. Fine Gael Councillor, Colm Brophy said "we are sitting here, as elected representatives, talking about making submissions to an unelected body. It's a travesty of democracy." He also called upon the council to agree not to use the incinerator for any of its own waste, if by chance the project gets the go-ahead.

REPORT by Dermot Ryan Evening Herald

Support from Dr Florence Craven, Maynooth

2008-07-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Dr. Florence Craven has sent us a copy of the letter below which she intends circulating to the media.

Opposition to Rathcoole Incinerator

Dear Editor,

After hearing many of the arguments both for and against the proposed incinerator at Rathcoole, I would urge all of Leinster to strongly oppose this project.

As it is, I believe that the Dublin area is already served by two incinerators. More worryingly, the Rathcoole incinerator is promoted by Energy Answers International (EAI), an American company, despite the fact that the incinerator they envisage is now no longer built in the States! This is enough to sound warning bells in peoples' minds.

According to recent reports, EAI has declined to attend public meetings on the issue. Its health impact statement is also allegedly scanty in the detail it gives. Where is their accountability to people who will be affected by this incinerator? An Bord Pleanala would indeed be very negligent if it were to permit this incinerator when such accountability is so lacking.

The Rathcoole Against Incinerator Dioxins (RAID) has strongly bolstered its case against EAI by procuring the expertise of Dr. Rebecca Griffin, a biochemist from Trinity College Dublin. Dr. Griffin has stated that this incinerator could lead to cancer and childhood health problems. Dioxin emissions from the incinerator could also affect a very considerable portion of Leinster. Such considerations should surely be enough to prompt An Bord Pleanala to reject this incinerator. In relation to property, farm land may be damaged, and house prices could fall even further. Health risks are therefore not the only risks attendant on this incinerator. There may also be other risks of which people are not yet aware.

If this incinerator goes ahead, we may well be looking at another Merck Sharpe Dome tragedy similar to the one involving the farmer in Co. Tipperary, but on a larger scale. Opposition to this incinerator needs to be as stubborn as has been the resistance mounted by North Mayo residents to the Shell pipeline.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Florence Craven

Independent, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

www.florencecraven.com

087 7523773

Meeting about Incinerator, Rathcoole Community School, 8pm Wednesday 16th July

2008-07-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

Please note that there's a public meeting this Wednesday, 16th July in Rathcoole (Holy Family) Community School on the Kilteel Road. The meeting will share infomation about campaign to stop the incinerator. Please spread the word and attend.

Regards,

RAID

More Information about Dioxins

2008-07-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

More scientific information about dioxins from sources such as the World Heath Organization and the US Food and Drugs Administration has been added to the "Learn More" section of the website: www.rathcooleincinerator.org

Paul Gogarty TD Reacts to Yesterday's Irish Independent Article

2008-07-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Paul Gogarty, TD, has reacted to the Irish Independent article of the 3rd July posted here earlier. His views may be read in the 'comment' field at the foot of that post.

Incinerator Meeting in Kill GAA Club Wednesday 9th July 8pm

2008-07-04T03:57:00.000-07:00

A meeting to discuss opposition to the proposed Rathcoole Incinerator (at Behan's Quarry on the North Kildare Border) will be held in Kill GAA Club on Wednesday 9th of July at 8pm. Please tell anyone whom it might affect to ensure a good attendance. Make the voice of Kildare heard!

A word of thanks to Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick, TD, who has confirmed to us that the Kildare Co. Development Plan has no provision for an incinerator and that the new high spec landfill at Drehid, Carbury, being developed by Bord na Móna, has capacity to take more than the requirements of the county, so Kildare will not be sending waste to this incinerator. This is highly significant as developers, Energy Answers (a subsidiary of Covanta who are to develop the Ringsend Incincerator) claim that Co. Kildare will be one of its customers.