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Limerick set to ‘March for Our Lives’ in protest over EPA’s approval of cement plant burning waste

“Don’t Poison us”- Limerick fights back at EPA’s decision to allow Irish Cement to burn waste

Limerick set to ‘March for Our Lives’ in protest over EPA’s approval of cement plant burning waste

Limerick Podcast episode 21

The committee of Limerick Against Pollution Cam. O’Donoghue, Mary Hammill, Derek O’Dwyer, Tim Hourigan and Maria Corbett at the fundraiser Gig in aid of Limerick Against Pollution at Dolans Warehouse, Friday, July 27th, 2018. Picture: Sophie Goodwin/ilovelimerick

Limerick Against Pollution is hosting a protest Saturday, October 5, at City Hall, to combat the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), decision to allow Irish Cement to burn waste in Mungret. 


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The decision came as a shock to many with citizens, businesses and politicians alike, enraged at The EPA granting Irish Cement permission to ditch fossil fuels for burning tyres and waste.  

Over 4,500 objections were made against the EPA as many fear for their safety, particularly for those areas closest to the plant which includes 4 schools and a public park. 

Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan said to The Leader, “Local people don’t want this incinerator. Businesses don’t want it. Politicians don’t want it. I can’t understand how one company can run roughshod over all this legitimate opposition and proceed with a project that will have a devastating impact on our community. This is a toxic decision from the Environmental Protection Agency, who should be there to protect people and to protect our environment”. 

Although The EPA insists all operations are safe, the people of Limerick are not buying it and the turn out for the protest is expected to be high. 

The EPA said it was, “satisfied that the emissions from the installation, when operated in accordance with the conditions of the proposed license, will meet all required environmental protection standards and will not endanger human health or harm the environment in the vicinity of the installation or over a wider area” 
 

Most recently, a fee of €126 has been added as a charge for anyone wishing to make an objection; this has not been taken very well and appears to many as an “obstacle”.  

This isn’t the first time, Irish Cement has brought concerns to the people of Limerick. Back in 2018, Limerick Against Pollution hosted a fundraiser in Dolans to bring awareness to the people as to what Irish Cement are doing and the implementations this may have on the people of Limerick.  

A member of Limerick against pollution, Maria Corbet said, “Limerick Against Pollution is up against one of the wealthiest companies in the country and their plan to generate even more profits for their shareholders. If the plans for the Mungret factory go ahead, then Irish Cement will be paid a levy per tyre for its disposal, they will also be paid to get rid of other hazardous waste and in so doing they will save on costs for fueling the production of cement and to add insult to injury, any carbon credits accumulated can be sold on for even more profit!” 

Last December, Irish Cement was fined €4,000 following a guilty plea, at Limerick District Court, for breaching their emissions industrial license.  

It was said, that a thick “glue-like” substance was found damaging cars and homes in the plants surrounding areas. 

Irish Cement had 3 previous convictions at this time. 

The ‘March Our Lives’ takes place next Saturday, October 5 at 2 pm in City Hall. All are welcome and encouraged to come. 

 

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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.