GREENS SUPPORT DEMPSEY'S CALL FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS ON HOSPITAL WASTE!

"It is a relief to see that the Minister is recognising the seriousness of this problem in Wicklow" says Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca. "Wicklow County Council has given no clear indication to date of its intention to criminally prosecute those who have been involved in the illegal dumping of this hazardous waste.It will truly be a national scandal if those who have made hundreds of thousands of pounds from the illegal dumping of hospital waste in West Wicklow are only taken to the District Court by the council where the fine imposed will be no more than several thousand pounds".

Councillor de Burca believes that serious questions must be asked about Wicklow County Council's ability to pursue a successful investigation and prosecution of this case. She is supporting an Taisce's call for the Minister of the Environment to appoint an Inspector with the powers of a Commissioner to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the illegal dumping of this hospital waste.

"The way in which this case is handled will have important national repercussions" she says. "A strong message needs to be sent out to those involved in the production and disposal of hazardous waste that only the highest standards will be tolerated, and that the law must be upheld". Councillor de Burca believes that if there is not a strong response at a national level to the crisis of illegal dumping in County Wicklow, the Irish government will find itself the subject of further legal action by the European Commission in relation to yet another breach of the European Waste Directives.

For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org.