Liadh Ní Riada: Urgent action needed on hazardous waste in Bray

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has said urgent action is needed on hazardous waste currently being washed into the Irish Sea from the old Bray Municipal landfill site.

The Ireland South representative said the Irish Government and European Authorities must act now to clean up the site.

“Extremely hazardous waste, including fragments of asbestos, potassium, manganese and nitrogen, continues to be washed into the Irish Sea from the old municipal landfill site in Bray, Co. Wicklow,” she said.

“I am extremely worried that this dangerous material is being allowed to enter our natural water system.

“This situation must be acted on without delay. Exposure to hazardous waste has been proven historically to allow cancer clusters to form in our local communities. Protecting public health must be of paramount concern.

“In recent years, funding has been released to clean up and remove hazardous waste located at sites in Waterford, Cork, Tipperary and other locations in Ireland.

“I have had numerous conversations with my colleague, Wicklow TD John Brady on this issue and he has confirmed it is a real concern for the people of the area.

“Just last week I chaired a public meeting on health in the county, which John had organised, and the issue was also raised there.

“People are deeply worried and concerned about the impact exposure to this waste may have on the local population.

“I am now calling on the Irish Government, Minister Denis Naughten and the Environmental Protection Agency to ring-fence funding, through European mechanisms if necessary, to secure this site and eradicate the health risks.

“Given the recent bad weather, which further exposes the site, no more time can be wasted. Action is urgently required.”