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

There is talk of wind borne toxicity. We need to establish if that is the case and the long, medium or short-term effects on the health of people. The character of the smoke was completely different from any kind of smoke people experienced from fires in the past. The health issue is very important. This industry seems to have a very fast and loose attitude to regulations. I mention Thorntons in Ballyfermot, and I am not saying Oxigen is exactly the same. Any accommodation with the rules and the law has to be dragged out of it. These plants sit in the middle of a community and every year there are odours, smells, noise and dirt. This industry needs to be reviewed from the top down. It is not fit to be situated in residential areas. Its history so far has been irresponsible to the point of reckless. It is time the Minister, who is very well able to wield the big stick, cleaned up this industry and moved it to places where danger is avoided. There is also the question of incineration. I thank the Minister for his response and am sure he will act on the matter.

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