[Press Release: September 9th, 2002]

De Burca concerned about sludge disposal at Carnew

Green Party councillor de Burca has recently expressed her concern about the spreading of sludge from the Carnew sewerage treatment plant in the local area and has questioned whether the practice is fully in compliance with the requirements of the waste legislation. "Complaints about about a serious problem with flies in the area was first brought to my attention in April of this year" says councillor de Burca."I wrote to Wicklow County Council and asked for information about the spreading of sludge from the Carnew sewerage treatment plant on land in the area" she says . "The council eventually responded and admitted that it had an arrangement with a local farmer in the area, who spreads the sludge on his land".

According to councillor de Burca a number of important questions she asked with regard to this matter remain unanswered by the council."I asked the council to confirm that the individual who is spreading the sludge has a waste disposal licence" says de Burca. "I also asked the council whether it had put the disposal of the sludge out to tender. I have still received no response from the council in relation to these questions".Councillor de Burca has also expressed her concerns about the health and safety implications of the spreading of sludge in the local area and is in the process of reporting the matter to the local Health Inspector.

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