COUNCILLORS in the Municipal District of Adare-Rathkeale feel there is not enough known about the proposed waste energy facility at the Gortnadroma Landfill to form an opinion on the matter.
The Council last month announced a joint bid for the lease on the Gortnadroma landfill by two American companies to develop a gasification plant and create 180 new jobs. However, Cathaoirleach Kevin Sheahan (FF) said this week that he was more concerned about the feelings of the local people than any jobs the plant might create.
“What worries me about the project is that this facility could be placed in any field in the land. I want to know why this has to be in the Gortnadroma site?”, he asked.
Speaking at the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District’s monthly meeting this Tuesday, Fine Gael councillor Tom Neville also suggested that the local authority they were “shooting darts in the dark”.
“We need to be very careful. Before there is any public consultation there needs to be a meeting between the company and councillors,” said Cllr Neville.
“It is critical to the proposal that all facets are examined. This is too big an issue,” he added.
Sinn Fein councillor Ciara McMahon said she had spoken with residents living in close proximity to the Ballyhahill landfill site and that they want the relevant information about gasification and the impact it will have on them.
“The community is cautious. They are not ruling it out but they want the facts. There concerns are for their children and grandchildren,” said Cllr McMahon.
Independent councillor Emmett O’Brien warned council members not to be “alarmist”.
“We need to keep an open mind. It’s all premature until we have answers,” he commented.
Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary suggested that talks on the proposal should be held in camera until all the fact were in.
Limerick City and County Council’s district director for Adare-Rathkeale, Tom Gilligan, told councillors that it was very important that people keep an open mind on the proposal.
“I hear your concerns but we need to give them a fair crack of the whip,” said Mr Gilligan.
It was proposed that Cadence EnvironPower (CEP) be asked to give a presentation to the Council on their joint bid.
