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By Tom Shiel A STARTLING claim that the real purpose of the cement plant which is proposed for Tooreen, near Ballyhaunis, is the incineration of toxic waste has been strongly denied by the developer, Mr. Frank Harrington. A spokesman for Mr. Harrington yesterday (Tuesday) categorically rejected suggestions there was an overcapacity of cement in Ireland at the moment and that in reality toxic and hazardous waste would be burned in the Tooreen facility. "Mr. Harrington has an enormous quantity of limestone on his hands and intends to create jobs in the production of cement", the spokesman said. "Any suggestion to the contrary is totally ridiculous". The Harrington denial came after Tooreen Action Group issued a statement claiming that .after intensive research and investigation they have identified "an overcapacity" of cement making in Ireland at the moment. At the same time the country has no hazardous waste incinerator. In a statement, Action Group Chairman, Peter Cassidy declared: "We believe that the real purpose of this factory is for the incineration of toxic and hazardous waste which can be burnt as a partial replacement for coal in the process". DECISION Mayo County Council is to decide on the Harrington application for planning permission next month. When it was put to him that there was no conclusive proof for the Action Group's claims, Mr. Peter Cassidy agreed but said there was strong circumstantial evidence whch suggested an incinerator was being planned. "A fine new school has just been opened in Tooreen", Mr. Cassidy said. "The last thing parents want just down the road is a toxic incinerator". In its statement, the Action Group pointed out that the exportation of toxic waste is to be restricted by EU legislation in the future. Much of Ireland's toxic waste is currently exported to the U.K. at considerable expense for incineration. Objectors say thet were told at a meeting with the developer in June at the company headquarters in Kilkelly that the proposed factory would have the facility to burn toxic and hazardous waste". According to the objectors, the kind of waste burned in cement kilns is varied but includes solvents, pharmecutical waste and expired drugs as well as chemical waste, used oil, and tyres. More recently, cement kilns in the U.K. have been used to incinerate B.S.E. infected cattle. The Action Group says it has received confirmation from Forbairt that, in their opinion, "there is an overcapacity of cement in the country at the moment". The Group added: "This strongly suggests that this factory will, like the majority of cement factories, burn toxic and hazardous waste once it is up and running". |
