Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy McManus for sharing time. The substance is stored in the constituency of the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, at Ballymount industrial estate. While I am not a chemicals expert, concerns have been raised over this disposal process. This concern has been fuelled by the lack of information available and the disdain shown by the authorities for the population in west Wicklow. It brings home the inefficiencies and remoteness of local government from the people it purports to serve. People already have a mistrust of the authorities involved in the operation because they refused to engage with them at an earlier stage. The operation was going to be carried out covertly, unknown to anyone. Fortunately, information came to light. Deputy McManus has covered the technical aspects of this operation. I agree the disposal of such waste must be put on a statutory footing.

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