Campaign against Ringaskiddy incinerator grows

Sat, 16 Jun, 2018 - 17:30

Darragh Bermingham

THE protest campaign against the planned Ringaskiddy incinerator is spreading like wildfire across Cork as campaigners seek to increase awareness of the issue across the city and county.

A vivid image of a girl wearing a gas mask has been draped across the front of the public car park beside Deep South on Grand Parade.

The banner is emblazoned with the slogan #Noincinerator.

The silent peaceful protest in Ringaskiddy, during the visit of Prince Charles. Picture: Denis Minihane.

“We wanted a powerful image and decided that a young girl wearing a gas mask embodied this,” said graphic designer, Zac Crawford, who designed the poster.

“It’s also a realistic image, parents will be worried with the chemicals spewing into the air around their children.

“I have kids in school in nearby areas and I’m very worried,” he admitted.

“We feel a visual campaign is important to raise awareness across Cork, that this isn’t just an issue for the harbour, it will affect wider Cork.”

Mary O’Leary, of the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE), said the campaign was delighted to see the poster in such a prominent area of Cork city.

“The campaign has found its own life and people are very keen to get involved,” she added.

“It’s important for people in the city and wider Cork to understand that this will impact them too, not just the harbour.

“The harbour is part of the city after all.

“If we get this incinerator, we’ll be stuck with it for the next 30 years and we won’t be able to explore new avenues for waste management because this thing will need to be fed,” warned Ms O’Leary.

Regina O'Callaghan, Douglas; Roseanne O'Callaghan, Grange and Irene O'Callaghan, Douglas protesting the planned incinerator. Picture: Denis Minihane.

CHASE is hosting an information and participation evening in An Spailpin Fanach on Tuesday night, in a bid to rekindle a campaign branch in the city.

“I would encourage anyone interested to come along, speak to us and get involved,” said Ms O’Leary.

An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the controversial 240,000 tonne-per-annum plant last month despite stiff competition from lower harbour residents who have fought the issue for 17 years.

The Board disregarded a recommendation to deny permission by its own inspector Derek Daly when making the final decision.