DE BURCA SEEKS "ANTI-INCINERATION PLEDGE" FROM GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES IN WICKLOW!

Councillor de Burca said that it was time for the politicians from the main political parties to state where they stood on the incineration issue. "The people of Wicklow have received mixed messages from these politicians about the issue of incineration" says de Burca." Many have given the impression that they are opposed to an incinerator for Wicklow although their party policy is pro-incineration. I am calling on all General Election candidates in the county to sign an anti-incineration pledge. This will clarify the issue for members of the public".

Councillor de Burca has criticised the amendment to the Waste Management Act which was voted through the Dail last summer and which she claims will make it possible for waste incinerators to be introduced in the face of widespread public opposition." Noel Dempsey's anti-democratic and draconian amendment to the Waste Management Act deprives locally elected councillors from having any role in determining local Waste Management strategies" she says.

"This Government is prepared to hand out incineration contracts to powerful business interests and in the meantime local communities all over the country see the cost of their refuse collections soar. The Government's appalling failure to provide comprehensive composting and recycling facilities, as well as tolerating a proliferation of illegal dumps is more evidence of their gross mismanagement in this area."

"The Government's total lack of vision in preventing, reducing and recycling waste guarantees that Ireland's green image, which is vital for our food and tourism industries, as well as our health - will suffer. People should clearly indicate their determination to ensure that incinerators are not forcibly foisted upon them and their children. The only way to do this is to secure an anti-incineration pledge from their General Election candidates.

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