Opponents of the hazardous waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, have begun High Court proceedings aimed at having permission for the development quashed. Joe Humphreys reports.
A spokeswoman for Chase (Cork Harbour Area for a Safe Environment) said an application for judicial review had been lodged with the court in the name of 11 local residents, along with Ringaskiddy and District Residents Association Limited.
The move follows last January's decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for the €95 million project, despite a strong recommendation against it by one of its senior planning inspectors.
The residents claim the Bord had infringed their right to fair procedures, and their right to respect for family life and bodily integrity. They further allege the Bord had breached provisions of the Constitution and EU law, including the European Convention on Human Rights.
The High Court is due to hear the application for leave to appeal on April 19th.
Chase spokeswoman Ms Linda Fitzpatrick said it had begun a fundraising campaign to pay for the legal action and noted that all local councillors standing in the upcoming local elections had expressed opposition to the incinerator.
"We were shocked at the decision of An Bord Pleanála. But at the same time it has galvanised support around the community.
"The legal advice is that this case can be won in the courts. But whatever happens, it's not going to stop here. People have said they will lie down on the road and go to prison to stop this incinerator going ahead."
She said the sole justification for "steamrolling" over the inspector's recommendations was Government policy. "We feel that this is a landmark case that challenges the validity and integrity of the whole Irish planning process."