Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday in the Seanad I raised the issue of Indaver and the decision of An Bord Pleanála to adjourn its decision on Indaver, the toxic incinerator proposed for Cork Harbour. It has now been adjourned four times. I read today in the newspapers that it has been adjourned due to an issue or a query regarding the suitability of this site due to possible impact on the use of Haulbowline naval base by the Air Corps. An Bord Pleanála said that it has looked for clarification because there is an issue regarding the aviation capabilities of helicopters landing in the site in Haulbowline if this incinerator is built. If that is the reason we have seen it postponed for a fourth time, An Bord Pleanála should do the right thing and refuse this issue. It is a very serious issue that there is a doubt over the safety of helicopters landing at the navy base in Haulbowline. If there is any doubt over this, the project should be refused. This information was not available yesterday. It has been made available today. Indaver is proposing to put an incinerator right on the edge of Cork Harbour. The people in Haulbowline itself, their committed view and their experience tells us that it could be an issue regarding aviation safety. That is an issue that Indaver needs to move on, a decision that An Bord Pleanála should not defer but should refuse straight away.

This information was considered before the Rescue 116 tragedy in Mayo. The tragedy in Mayo compounds the need to look at this situation again.

I hope that on the 15 May An Bord Pleanála will do what they should have done, which is to refuse this planning application.