Referring to her meeting with the representatives of the Community For A Clean Estuary (CFCE) Marian Harkin said that the Moville/Greencastle waste water project was a classic example of mismanagement by planning authorities, state agencies and the Department of the Environment.
She said; “Working with CFCE we have so far prevented wrong decisions being taken which could irreparably damage the ecosystem of the Foyle Estuary and it once more highlights the ability of the European Commission to protect the interest of citizens when a Member State does not.”
The European Commission has said that Ireland is in breach of EU legislation and must amend their environmental impact assessment legislation to comply with EU requirements.
The above map of Donegal demonstrates the issue, and a possible solution to the sewage tides.
In effect this means that the waste water treatment cannot go ahead as planned. “All we want is the best outcome for this project, the people of Moville, Greencastle and surrounding areas deserve nothing less”, the Independent MEP maintained.
During the week, Marian Harkin MEP met up with representatives of the CFCE; Enda Craig (left), and Dr. Don McGinley (right)
She pledged to continue to work closely with CFCE and the European Commission to ensure that no dubious political or irresponsible decisions were taken which would lead to unacceptable discharge of damaging waste to vulnerable waters and fish life.
The latest comments from EU Commission regarding response from the Irish Government in relation to our European Complaint state; “We have been informed that Irish Water has confirmed that the licence application for the proposed Moville plant is no longer current and has committed to not submitting a new application until the proposed legislative changes are made.”
This is a massive decision by the European Commission who have now found in favour of the CFCE against the Irish Government in breach of European Legislation.
This decision vindicates the lengthy campaign (26 years) by the CFCE to ensure this project was carried out properly and in accordance with correct European planning legislation.
Members of Community For A Clean Estuary are looking forward to the conclusion to this long running debacle.
It is hoped that the competent authority will begin the process of identifying, with the support of the local communities, a suitable and acceptable location for this long overdue and essential Waste Water Treatment Plant for the Moville and Greencastle areas.
You can find out more at SavetheFoyle.com
