Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wanted to speak on this motion as it is directly relevant to a very important issue in my constituency of Limerick city. I was appalled when the Environmental Protection Agency awarded Irish Cement a licence to burn tyres and other rubbish at its factory in Mungret, Limerick. This area is surrounded by homes, sports fields and other community facilities. It is a rapidly growing area in which a great number of houses are under construction. Local people, businesses, and public representatives do not want this. People in Limerick are pretty unanimous in opposing it. A massive rally was held which was attended by sportspeople, business people, politicians and community groups. Everybody was involved in it. It is not fair that one company can run roughshod over all of this legitimate opposition and proceed with a project that will have a massive impact on our community. The air quality and local environment belong to everybody in Mungret and Limerick, not just to Irish Cement. This was a toxic decision by the Environmental Protection Agency, whose purpose should be to protect people and our environment. This incinerator will be accompanied by buildings in which to store rubbish waiting to be burned. In addition to the emissions that will pollute our city and countryside, Mungret will become a dumping ground for waste from across the entire State and, possibly, from abroad.

As I have said, there has been a massive campaign by people in Limerick and surrounding areas in opposition to this plan. Thousands of people have been out protesting. I would like the Minister of State to address this issue in his response. He cannot simply wash his hands of this issue. It is a very serious issue in Limerick and the disregard the Government has thus far shown to the local community in this regard will be remembered in the upcoming general election, whenever that takes place. People are really frustrated, angry, and disappointed with this decision. Nobody stood up for them and nobody stood by them. Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the community and to call for this wrong and unjustified decision to be overturned.

See this speech in context