Killurin outraged over dump opening

May 1985

Angry residents of Killurin are steeling themselves for a major confrontation with Wexford County Council over the siting of a dump in their area.

The dump is scheduled to open on Monday next in a disused quarry close to the River Slaney, but before it goes into operation, protesting householders want a guarantee that there is no danger of pollution.

Tomorrow night (Friday) they will decide on a plan of opposition to the dump if no guarantee has been given by then.

And if a previous protest is anything to go by, then Council officials are in for a tough time next week.

In 1978, when Wexford County Council allowed unofficial dumping of animal waste in the quarry, local women physically blocked lorries and trucks until a ban on dumping was introduced.

Residents saw red last week when a notice appeared in this newspaper to announce the opening of the new dump, which will replace the tip site at Carcur.

The County Council had agreed to have a report compiled on the possible dangers of pollution to the adjoining river before opening.

It was promised that the details would be given to the Killurin Residents Group and adequate time would be allowed for a review.

It failed to arrive, despite numerous approaches, until last Friday – the day after the public notice was published.

And when it did arrive, it did not contain the technical information needed for a proper assessment of the pollution dangers by a firm of Waterford Hydrogeologists hired by a group of local residents at their own expense.

‘ The Council has treated us very badly,’ said one member of the protest group, which was formed two years ago when plans for the new dump were first announced.

‘All along, we have been respectful of their position, and they’ve responded by stabbing us in the back,’ the person added.

‘We are not satisfied that the dump will not cause pollution and we feel that the onus is on the County Council to prove it won’t.’

At a meeting on Tuesday, the residents group failed to get agreement from officials for a postponement of the opening date.

The Council did agree, however, to a meeting between their consultant hydrogeologist and the Waterford firm acting for the protestors.

Local reaction now hinges on the outcome of that meeting. If no guarantee is given on pollution, then the residents will continue their fight against the dump, the spokesman said.

That may mean blocking the path of dump lorries when they begin to arrive at the site next week.

The River Slaney at Killurin is used by a number of full-time fishermen, who are known to be concerned about possible pollution dangers. The locals also have the support of environmental organisation, An Taisce.