Update from RAID on Opposition to the Incinerator 16 July 2008

RAID had another successful meeting in Rathcoole Community School on Wednesday 16th July. Over 200 people attended the meeting, including many of the local Councillors and Senator, which was called to update the residents of the progress made so far. Some of the main points that came out of the meeting were;

• Objection prepared by planning consultants is complete and will be lodged today Friday 18^th of July
• We hope to focus our attention on intensifying the media coverage over the next couple of weeks
• We have made contact with a number of other anti-incineration groups with a view to sharing information and strengthen the collective efforts of all the individual groups
• Fundraising will be a priority in the coming weeks to ensure that sufficient funds are available to pay the experts required at the oral hearing. Many of these experts will give of their time freely but others will require payment. An oral hearing will continue for weeks.
• We want to remind people that the deadline for objecting is July 23^rd and draft letters of objection are available on the web site and at the Rathcoole Community Centre.
• It was noted that South Dublin County Council’s manager has recommended refusal of this project with the backing of all the local Councillors. It was emphasised that An Bord Pleanala (ABP) have the power to over-rule the manager’s decision citing ‘Government Policy’ as a reason to grant permission. Therefore we urge everyone to firstly object to ABP to show the ground swell of support for RAID and secondly to lobby the politicians who can influence government policy.

Many thanks to all those who attended the meeting last night. It is a great encouragement to all the committee members who are working hard on our behalf. The sum of €2,300 was raised on the night between car bumper stickers, the Sean Reid bucket at the door and some private donations. Very, very sincere thanks to all who donated and everyone who has supported us in other ways.