SEVEN Dáil deputies from different political groups joined a protest by Pat and Nuala Geoghegan outside Leinster House calling for new public inquiry into Rusal Aughinish Alumina’s environmental and health impacts.
Three deputies – Paul Murphy, Matt Carthy and Mattie McGrath also raised grave concerns with the Taoiseach Micheál Martin about representations made to people conducting the €5.2 million Askeaton Health investigation.
The protest was attended by Paul Murphy TD (People Before Profit), Catherine Connolly (Independent Group), Matt Carthy (Sinn Fein), Mattie McGrath (Rural Independent Group),
Ivana Bacik (Labour Party), Willie O’Dea (Fianna Fail) and Peadar Tobin (Aountu).
Catherine Murphy (Social Democrats) also offered support but couldn’t make it to the protest.
In his speech, Paul Murphy brought to light new evidence, which he claims further discredits the previous investigation into serious animal and human health problems near the factory.
The Geoghegans from West Limerick have regularly pointed to 18 medical samples taken during that investigation that went missing. Deputy Murphy has now also brought to light a previously unpublished letter by the IDA and notes of a private meeting they had with Aughinish.
In the Dáil, Paul Murphy TD said these notes clearly show that “the IDA, with absolutely no environmental expertise, not only took Aughinish’s side, but then sought to influence the outcome of the health investigation. In it they talk about the importance of the jobs involved, and restate that they have been assured by the company that there is nothing to see there”.
“I also have a letter showing that these notes were circulated to those conducting the investigation into the health problems in the Askeaton area, despite the fact that there is absolutely no environmental or scientific information in it.
“It is clearly an attempt to use the economic arguments to influence the health investigation and tip the scales in Aughinish’s favour, biasing the whole thing.”
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.