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The Green Party has accused Fine Gael
of trying to block plans by the Government to improve water quality.
Green Party TD for Dun Laoghaire Ciarán Cuffe said it was
ironic that the Party could accuse the Environment Minister of not
doing enough to improve water quality, while some of their local
councillors are actively opposing a new waste water treatment plant
at Shankhill in Dublin.
At a recent Dún Laoghaire / Rathdown County Council Meeting Cllr.
John Bailey, Cllr Maria Bailey and Cllr. Louise Cosgrave of Fine
Gael tabled a Section 140 motion to halt the construction of a
sewage treatment plant that would lead to a dramatic improvement in
water quality in Killiney Bay. The bathing area at Killiney lost its
Blue Flag status in late August due to high levels of water
pollution.
Deputy Cuffe said: "It is outrageous that Fine Gael are on
the one hand criticising John Gormley for lack of action when some
of their councillors oppose a state-of the art €70 million treatment
plant at Shankill. This plant is vital to ensure that water quality
improves, that the Blue Flag status is restored to Killiney Beach,
and that future housing is allowed to proceed in the County. The
Shankill plant was specifically mentioned in the ECJ Report issued
last week and I am thankful their motion was defeated.
"Fine Gael has placed jobs and public health at risk by attempting
to stop this plant's construction. It is disingenuous of them to try
and put the responsibility for EU action at the Minister Gormley's
door when some of their own councillors are attempting to block the
plans of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to provide a much
needed piece of infrastructure.
Local Green Party Councillor Tom Kivlehan said "this is a
cynical attempt to play politics and divide a community for
electoral purposes. We all saw last year in Galway what can happen
when you have inadequate sewerage systems in place which is why we
need plants like these to ensure our water quality is improved and
our rivers, beaches and environment are protected" |
