Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am also deeply concerned about the impact this fire is having on my constituency and on the area that lies adjacent to it. The fire is also having a huge effect on local businesses. Part of the difficulty involved relates to the lack of information. People have been informed that the fire may continue to burn for another week. I visited the area last night and on a couple of occasions in recent days. People have been told to stay indoors. Keeping one's doors and windows closed and remaining inside will not stop noxious fumes from entering one's home. Should the employees of local businesses remain indoors and not go to work? A difficulty arises in this regard. There is also a difficulty in the context of road signs for traffic. People trying to enter the area have been turned away and a number of roads not in the immediate vicinity of the fire have been blocked off.

This fire should act as a wake-up call. I am concerned about the lack of regulation of a number of factories in the area. It was lucky that the fire started at the weekend. Forensics will reveal how it began. I am concerned with regard to how is responsible for monitoring activities at the factories. A huge number of factories in the area house noxious chemicals, flammable liquids, etc. There is a time bomb waiting to go off in this regard. We need to consider who is responsible for carrying out inspections at these facilities. I would appreciate it if the Minister could visit the area at some stage and discuss matters with local businesspeople. It is not possible for businesses to close down for a week and send their employees home. Major concerns have arisen about the impact this fire is going to have on people's health. It would be extremely helpful for people in the area if the necessary signs, etc., could be put in place.

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