Minister of State Mr Ivor Callely has backed local opposition to a new waste facility in north Dublin by saying it had the potential to cause ill-health.
At an oral hearing of An Bord Pleanála, residents are appealing against a green waste and civil amenity recycling facility in St Anne's Park, Raheny.
Dublin City Council's proposed facility would be on an existing green waste site which previously carried out composting. Shredded green waste and household waste would be transferred within 48 hours.
Yesterday, Mr Niall Phelan, personal assistant to Mr Callely, read a submission. Mr Callely said: "The existing facility breaches Environmental Protection Agency noise regulations on a regular basis, but more disturbingly has the potential, and I firmly believe has already been the cause of, a range of ill-health effects on people living within the surrounding area."
He said of particular concern were the high levels of organic dusts and bio-aerosols which could be inhaled and cause health problems such as asthma.
However, Dr Martin Hogan, medical doctor, UCC, called by the council, said composting produced spores, and no composting was proposed. Much less, if any, would be released by shredding.
Dr Paul Dowling, botanist, said tests showed the shredder itself was the source of spores, and not just the composting. "The shredder acts as a very violent spore dispenser." It was not a safe operation so close to housing.
The chief executive of the Irish Cancer Society, Mr John McCormack, said people who underwent treatment for cancer were immune-suppressed and were compromised by spores. Statutory institutions like directors of public health and the EPA had an important role to play in terms of measurement and vigilance.
Mr Seán Larkin, Bayside, said his son, aged nine, had cancer and was immune-suppressed. During his intense treatments, due to potential infections, the family was isolated. "My parents' house near the park was a source of respite," he said.
His attention was then drawn to the risk of spores. "This precludes me from bringing my child or my other child, who is an asthma sufferer, to the park or to their grandparents' house."
Ms Sandra Peyton, a resident, said there was noise from traffic going to the existing facility. People also left refuse at the gate at night when it was closed. She feared this would increase.
Mr Colin Doyle, an environmental consultant who carried out tests for the council, concluded: "There would be no adverse impact on air qualities associated with the proposed development."
Labour councillor Mr Seán Kenny said there were alternative vacant industrial sites available in the north central area.