Galway sewage plant opponent faces £160,000 legal bill

The actor, Mr Ray McBride, is seeking legal advice following the High Court rejection of his challenge to Galway Corporation's plans to locate the city's controversial sewage treatment plant on Mutton Island. The Save Galway Bay (SGB) environmental group member had costs estimated at more than £160,000 awarded against him after a 12-day hearing. Mr McBride, who is currently performing with the Royal Court Theatre in London, was not available for comment, but it is understood he has sought legal opinion on the likelihood of a Supreme Court appeal succeeding. The possibility of going to the European Court of Justice is also being examined. Mr McBride was the applicant in the judicial review proceedings.

The implications of the judgment delivered last Friday were examined last night by SGB members. It is largely a community-based group with many residents of the Claddagh, part of the city closest to where the plant is proposed, among its membership.

SGB secretary, Mr Derrick Hambleton, said they were surprised at the outcome as they had objected on a broad range of grounds against the plans for an above-ground plant linked to the mainland by a one-kilometre causeway. It was costed in 1992 at £23 million, but is now likely to cost more than £30 million if constructed. The SGB were meeting to decide what their next action would be. On the appeal issue, Mr Hambleton said: "It is not our decision. The case was in the name of Ray McBride. Ultimately, it's his decision. Naturally, we support our members".

SGB chairman, Mr Michael O'Flaherty, said the action was taken at a time when the Minister for the Environment, Mr Brendan Howlin, favoured no causeway and an underground plant, and the European Commission was refusing structural funds for the project on environmental grounds. "SGB's views have not changed," he said. "The decision is Mr McBride's. It will depend on the legal advice. We will be supporting him all the way." The City Manager, Mr Joe Gavin, said he hoped all parties would accept the decision and allow the scheme to proceed. The corporation has received tenders for the construction of the causeway and has written to the Department of the Environment to allow the development to begin.