Byrne welcomes EPA report on the Ballymount fire

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed the report of the Environmental Protection Agency on the matter of the recent fire in the Ballymount Industrial Estate.          

“I welcome this report of the EPA on the matter of the Ballymount fire, which local residents will recall resulted in large plumes of polluted smoke in the area for quite some time.

“The EPA report proves that the fire did impact on air quality in the local area. It shows that elevated levels of pollutants were recorded in the smoke plume in the immediate vicinity of the fire.

“However I am reassured to note the findings of the report that there is no significant potential for any long-term health impacts as a result of the fire and resulting smoke plumes. The report emphasises discomfort, as opposed to a threat to health.

“I am also pleased to hear that as the plume of smoke dispersed, the impact on air quality across the greater Dublin area was actually diluted. This was assisted in part by high wind speeds at the time.

“Despite this reassurance in relation to health impacts, I strongly believe that further discussion needs to be had on the siting of these waste facilities in built up residential areas. This conversation must take place between the local authorities, an Bord Pleanála and the Department of the Environment.”