Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I commend the emergency services on how they dealt with the fire. Such incidents must be prevented. It is not satisfactory that half the city was covered in black smoke. Businesses were forced to close and residents were exposed to toxic fumes.

I refer to similar facilities such as Thornton Waste Disposal in Ballyfermot which is situated in a densely populated area whose residents are concerned. I ask for an examination of such plants because I question whether they should be located in such locations. Proper regulation of the industry is required. I ask the Government to take action as it has now been three years in power.

The investigation of this fire must also investigate the manner in which this material is stored and the mix of materials stored in close proximity to each other. Fire prevention measures must be examined. It is not good enough for a company to stack and store this material without having fire prevention measures in place. This fire has caused a significant problem for the local authority, the Garda Síochána, the residents and for employees. Good regulations must be in place to ensure the proper storage of this material.

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