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[Press Release: February 4, 2002] GREENS WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT OF CRIMINAL INQUIRY INTO ILLEGAL DUMPS IN WICKLOW!The Wicklow Greens have welcomed the recent announcement that the Garda Commissioner will set up a full-scale criminal inquiry into illegal dumping throughout the state. The initial focus of the investigation will be the illegal dumps found in County Wicklow in recent months. The inquiry will be conducted by a team of 15 officers from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, with the Criminal Assets Bureau also involved if evidence of criminal profiteering from dumping emerges."This is certainly a welcome announcement for those of us who have repeatedly called on the Minister of the Environment to dedicate the considerable resources at his disposal to a full and independent investigation of illegal dumping in Wicklow" says Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca. "However, one must question the delay in setting up the inquiry, as the first of these illegal dumps was discovered last October." Councillor de Burca believes that Noel Dempsey's decision to set up this badly-needed inquiry had far more to do with the recent visit of the EU Environmental Commissioner, Margot Wallstrom, to Dublin, than any commitment on the part of the Irish Government to the proper implementation of waste legislation. According to councillor de Burca,Commissioner Wallstrom had indicated that the issue of waste would be top of her agenda while visiting this country. "Ireland is currently being investigated for 17 cases of infringement of the EU's Waste Directive" says de Burca."This would appear to be a more accurate reflection of the Government's overall commitment to implementing waste legislation - and therefore protecting public health and the environment". For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org. |