Michael Conaghan (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of concerns and questions I wish to raise with the Minister in respect of the fire which began on Saturday last at the Oxigen plant in Ballymount. On Saturday morning, the first thing people noticed was the odour coming from the fire. The smell was distinctly different from what one would normally associate with a fire. It caused people to choke, it blocked their noses and it caused nausea. Obviously, this was an indication that something serious was occurring. Later in the day, media reports indicated that there may have been toxins in the air as a result of the fire. This caused people distress and a number of them telephoned me as a result. I am trying to establish whether there were toxins in the air and whether there are any implications for the health of people who live and work in the surrounding area.

The buildings at the plant look very insubstantial. Did this contribute in any way to the intensity of the fire and the speed with which it spread? We have been informed that the bales of waste at the site were so tightly compacted that they were impervious to water and that this delayed firefighters in bringing the fire under control. Are there rules relating to the baling of waste - I am sure there are - and where these adhered to? There have also been reports of asbestos being stored at the site. I am sure this is hardly permissible. Were there any practices, processes or procedures which led to this plant being the subject of the type of conflagration witnessed at the weekend? Did the EPA raise any concerns with Oxigen about the plant?

A rigorous review should be carried out of all waste plants. The Thorntons' facility has caused upset and concern and given rise to health issues for people in the Ballyfermot area. In the context of their proximity to population centres of this size, it may be time for the companies involved to close their plants and transfer operations to areas where the safety of workers, management, local residents, etc., can be guaranteed.

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