Madam, - Bearing in mind the recent incidents/accidents in Cork Harbour from known and unknown spillages into the harbour and River Lee, and the contamination from Ispat which will cost the taxpayer over €30 million, one begins to understand why five Mayo men are in jail in their efforts to protect their health and their environment.
Dr Padraig Larkin of the Environmental Protection Agency said in Carrigaline, regarding the recent spill of caustic soda into the harbour, that there will be accidents. The genuine concerns about a proposed toxic and municipal incinerator adding extra risks to Cork communities that are already burdened with environmental risk from other facilities must be heard.
Could the EPA further assist us by informing the Cork people on emergency planning? What is the plan for protecting the community in case of emergency? Is worker training adequate? How will the community participate in emergency plans?
How will the community be kept informed in detail of both routine and unplanned releases from the facilities in the harbour? - Yours, etc,
MAMIE BOWEN, Glenville, Monkstown, Co Cork.