Aviation safety should not be compromised for unpopular incinerator- Lombard

Cork-based Fine Gael senator, Tim Lombard, has said aviation safety should not be compromised by a proposed new incinerator in Cork Harbour.

The decision regarding waste management company Indaver’s proposal for an incinerator has again been deferred, this time due to concerns for aircraft in the vicinity.

Senator Lombard said: “I am incredulous at yet another delay but also the lack of an outright refusal on these grounds.

“Earlier in the week I spoke in the Seanad regarding the need for a conclusive decision about whether this predominantly unpopular incinerator is to go ahead or not.

“The people of Ringaskiddy and the wider Cork community have had this decision hanging over their heads for over a decade while the decision has been deferred again and again.

“Information then became available that the Indaver decision was delayed due to concerns over aviation safety in and around the area of the proposed incinerator.

“An Bord Pleanála said it was looking for clarification because of an issue regarding the aviation capabilities of helicopters landing in the Haulbowline site if this incinerator was built.

“While I commend the consideration given this critical issue, I believe if there is any doubt at all over the safety of aircraft in the vicinity of the Cork Harbour incinerator the project should be refused outright.

“There has already been vast opposition to this incinerator proposal from the community in and around Ringaskiddy.

“For over a decade they, and the wider Cork community, have campaigned against the incinerator, and this new deferral is yet another reason to continue challenging the proposal.

“I would hope that on the 15^th of May An Bord Pleanála make the decision they should have made earlier this week and refuse this planning application.

“We have the opportunity to avoid potential disaster and ensure the safety of our aviators, and there is no logical, ecological, commercial or humanitarian reasoning worth taking the risk.”

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