Incineration in Galway

galway | environment | event notice Monday December 12, 2005 13:44 by John Cunningham - Galway Labour History Group

PUBLIC LECTURE by Liam Leonard

Imperial Hotel, Eyre Sq., 8 pm. All welcome

One of the most controversial environmental issues of recent years has concerned incineration. Proponents –including the government– have argued that it is a vital element in modern waste management, while opponents contend that it both dangerous and unnecessary.

In Galway, provision for incineration in the Connacht Waste Plan of 1999 led to the emergence of considerable local opposition which was effectively marshalled by the campaigning group, Galway for a Safe Environment (GSE).

Drawing on international expertise, and using modern communications tools alongside more traditional techniques of political mobilisation, GSE had a considerable impact. With 22,000 Galwegians signing its petition and hundreds crowding into its public meetings, the political establishment was forced to take notice.

Campaigns in Galway and elsewhere have halted incineration, but these campaigns represent only the first round in an on-going struggle, for the government remains committed to the burning of waste. It is an opportune moment, therefore, to review the campaign to date, which is why the Galway Labour History Group is organising a public lecture on the anti-incineration movement to date in the Imperial Hotel, Eyre Square on Wednesday, 14 December at 8 pm.

The speaker, Dr Liam Leonard of NUI Galway, is the author of a recently-published book entitled ‘Politics inflamed: GSE and the campaign against incineration in Ireland.’ He will consider the Galway campaign in the context of the national and international debates on incineration. Admission to the lecture is free and all are welcome.