Dump operators deny keeping protesters out

The operators of the landfill dump at Knockharley in Kentstown have denied refusing entry to protesters at an open day last weekend - following a claim that the company tried to discriminate on who would be allowed in. Landfill operators Greenstar stated that it appreciated that residents had questions and natural concerns about the proposal to increase the tonnage accepted at the landfill site to 400,000 tonnes annually. 'However, many of the concerns that we understand are circulating in the community are unfounded,' said a spokesperson. The intention of the company was that the landfill would be closed earlier as a result. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in support of Greenstar"s planning and waste licence application is to be made available for inspection along with other relevant documents at the offices of Meath County Council, An Bord Pleanala, and at the Knockharley Landfill for seven weeks commencing on Thursday, 13th November. The planning application will be made available for inspection also on a dedicated website www.knockharleyplanning.ie The waste licence application will also be available to view on the EPA website as soon as the application is made. Green Party local elections campaign and anti-dump protester, Fergal O"Byrne, said that the Greenstar security staff initially had admitted about 50 local residents onto the site. However, the gates were then locked. After protests made by him, the gates were opened but, stated Mr O"Byrne, the company tried to discriminate and were forced to open the gates, 'but tried to discriminate on who would be let in'. O"Byrne stood in the gate and facilitated to all protesters to freely again access, he said. However, the Greenstar spokesperson said about 100 residents had attended over the two days of the open day. On Saturday, 1st November, a group of no more than 60 local residents who wished to voice their opposition to the tonnage increase proposal attended the site. The spokesperson said this group initially parked their cars along the access road to the facility, presenting 'a health and safety risk due to waste trucks entering and leaving the site'. Greenstar, therefore, invited the group to park their cars in the dedicated car park inside the site. Greenstar security staff then closed the main gates to prevent waste trucks from accessing the site whilst this group were walking up to the main buildings. Greenstar can confirm that, at no point, did it refuse entry to any of the local residents, she said. Anti-dump protesters stated that 120 residents of the Kentstown area protested at the Greenstar landfill. Residents" group chairperson, Paddy Lawlor, handed in a copy of a letter of protest together with a copy of the Local Community News to Greenstar. Mr Lawlor stated the residents had held a protest to show Greenstar that they were 'utterly dissatisfied with the way the existing dump is run'. Meanwhile, Mr O"Byrne stated: 'We have seen the bully-boy tactics this morning as we tried to again access to the site' He said that the protesters wanted the dump closed down. The company said that the group was met inside by a Greenstar representative who invited them inside the facility and to attend the open day and take the tour of the facility. Greenstar was 'disappointed that the majority of the group refused to take the opportunity to view the workings of the site first hand and to view the details of its proposal'. Greenstar thanked those residents who took the time out to visit the site over the course of the two-day event and pledged to keep the local community updated regarding all aspects of its planning and waste licence application. The spokesperson said the company wanted to extend again an invitation to all residents in the local area who would like to take a tour of the facility to contact Heather Miller, assistant manager, at (041) 9821650.