Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

Dawn Meats was given permission by Meath County Council to install a 7.2 km pipeline that would pump treated effluent in the Boyne river, a special area of conservation. The pipeline would dispose of 400,000 l of wastewater into that historic river daily.

The Save the Boyne campaign was founded to protect against this. Its spokesperson, Peter Whelan, has stated that the river is the source of drinking water for 70,000 households, and it is also home to wildlife including otters, salmon and lampreys.

It is also the location of some the most important Neolithic monuments in Europe. Some 400 submission were made to the council. It has been given planning permission, however, and is now with An Bord Pleanála. This summer, especially, has seen exceptionally low water. I have lived by the River Boyne all my life and I have never seen the water this low. In parts of the River Boyne, there is no flow and no water at all. There is literally no water behind weirs and yet, this particular factory is going to be given a licence to put 400,000 l of wastewater into it. Will the Government come out against this particular project and make sure we protect our rivers for the wildlife and for people?

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