Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

It is clear that the residents, Deputy Nash and I agree on the fundamental issue that no hazardous ash should be dumped at the facility. The statutory authority to decide this issue does not rest with the Deputy, me or Louth County Council but with the Environmental Protection Agency. I am sure the Deputy, if he has not already done so, will inform the agency of his concerns which I acknowledge the people of the area share. As for the Minister meeting the residents, in view of his statutory position, I am unclear on whether he can legally do so. However, I will be happy to bring the request directly to his attention. Depending on the status of the law, it might be deemed that were he to do so, he would technically be in breach of his powers or the law, but I will bring the request to his attention. I assure the Deputy of my ongoing concern about the issue.

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