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[Press Release: July 17th, 2008] Safe disposal of hydrogen cyanide cylinders a relief to residentsThe Green Party has welcomed the news that South Dublin County Council has successfully destroyed seven cylinders of hydrogen cyanide that were to be disposed of at Kilbride, County Wicklow.The Council confirmed today that the compressed gas cylinders were chemically neutralised at a Council-owned compound in Grange Castle, in Dublin. Four waste management specialists travelled from Atlanta, America to carry out the disposal using specialist equipment. No explosives were used and there was no risk to the public. Green Party Senator Deirdre de Burca said the news was a relief to residents living in the Kilbride area of Wicklow and that the Green Party had been communicating public concerns on the issue to the Council. "We asked the Council to explore alternative methods to neutralise the hydrogen cyanide as we were not convinced that the disposal methodologies put forward reflected the best and up-to-date environmental and health and safety practice. We very much welcome the news that an alternative was found and that there was no risk involved to the environment and the public." Local Green Party Representative in the Kilbride area, Pat Pidgeon said: I am satisfied that our concerns were taken very seriously and that the Council had an open mind in terms of approach this disposal issue. I condemn the tactics of other parties who were clearly trying to generate hysteria around the issue. We are firm believers that quiet diplomacy is always the best way to proceed in these kind of situations." When x-rayed, the cylinders containing the agricultural fumigant were found to more stable than anticipated. This allowed specialists to dispose of them via chemical neutralisation. Air, soil and water monitoring was carried out before, during and after the work. All waste associated with the process has been taken off site and will be exported to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
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