Friends of the Irish Environment have sought to have Ireland brought before the European Court of Justice for the unlicensed storage of hazardous waste at Haulbowline Ireland.

The environmental group have written without success to the four Ministers involved and to the Taoiseach seeking to have the Government apply for a waste licence.

A spokesman said that their position was supported by the Environmental Protection Agency.

‘The Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Team Leaders have advised the EPA that ‘no further involvement should be provided without full regularization of the interaction, starting with the issuing of a waste license for remedial work’.

‘After consultations with the European Commission, we are bringing an Infringement Complaint under the terms of the Judgment of the European Court of Justice against Ireland on waste in Case C-494/01 of 26 April 2005.

‘This Judgment stated that Ireland had failed ‘to meet the obligations to take the requisite measures to ensure that waste is disposed of without endangering human health and without harming the environment’. It said further that this situation ‘has persisted and has led to a significant deterioration in the environment over a protracted period without any action being taken by the competent authorities’.

A spokesman for the organization said that ‘Because of the nature of this Judgment against Ireland, we understand that the Commission will be able to act rapidly to ensure that the holders of the waste at Haulbowline Island will confirm with the European Directive and be subject to the required licensing procedures’.

Verification: Tony Lowes 027 73131 / 087 2176316

EU Infringement Complaint

http://www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net/friendswork/index.php?do=friendswork&action=view&id=760