Paul Murphy demands fresh probe into Othnish Illumina red mud pit
Paul Murphy warned that Othnish Illumina in Limerick has begun rock blasting to build a new red mud storage pond and called for a fresh, independent investigation into its health and environmental impacts. He described the planned pond — 8 metres deep, 4.5 hectares and holding 40 million tonnes of waste beside the Shannon — as "a disaster waiting to happen" and pressed the Teesach for a straight answer on supporting a new probe.
New rock blasting and proposed storage pond
The speech flagged that Othnish Illumina has begun rock blasting to construct a new pond measuring 8 metres deep and 4.5 hectares, intended to store 40 million tonnes of red mud waste adjacent to the Shannon.
Local health and livestock concerns
Paul Murphy highlighted the presence in the gallery of Pat and Nuala Gagan, whose farm animals died and whose personal health suffered, noting that they were protesting outside the Dáil and calling for a truly independent investigation without interference.
Allegations of IDA interference and demand for a fresh investigation
He said that last month he raised new evidence alleging IDA interference into a previous investigation of health impacts and asked the Teesach whether the Government would support a new investigation; he said he had not received a straight answer.
Government response and oversight mechanisms
The recorded reply referenced the EPA and other oversight mechanisms, stating that the Dáil cannot arbitrate planning applications on the floor of the House. The Teesach said there had been a series of reviews and would not make an off-the-cuff response, but would discuss the matter with the Tornishter and other ministers and agencies for assessment.
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Thanks, Ciancorla. Teesach, today Othnish Illumina in Limerick have said that they are beginning rock blasting to build yet another massive pit for storing toxic red mud. The new pond will be 8 metres deep and 4.5 hectares large, storing 40 million tonnes of waste right by the Shannon. It is a disaster waiting to happen. Last month, Teesach, I raised with you new evidence that showed there was IDA interference into the previous investigation of the health impacts. Sat in the gallery were Pat and Nuala Gagan, whose farm animals died and whose personal health suffered greatly. They are outside the Dáil at the moment, protesting, calling for a fresh investigation, truly independent and without interference. Last month, I did not get a straight answer. Will you at the very least give a straight answer as to whether you will support the call for a new investigation into the health and environmental impacts of Othnish Illumina? First of all, again, we do have the EPA, we have various mechanisms to oversee any application in relation to the kind that you have just announced. So we can't arbitrate for that here in the Dáil on the floor of the House. And again, in respect of any fresh investigation, I mean, there has been a whole series of reviews and I'm not going to make an off-the-cuff response in relation to that request either. But I will talk to the Tornishter and others in relation to the agencies under its wing and other ministers for their assessment of the situation. Peter Fitzpatrick.
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