McLaughlin opposes North West incinerator
Sinn Féin Assembly member for Foyle, Mitchel McLaughlin, has called on Derry City Council as well as Donegal, Limavady, Strabane and Coleraine Councils to make it clear to the residents of the North West Region that they are not contemplating a waste incinerator in the North West.
``Once more the debate around a possible incinerator located in the North West has been introduced into the political debate in Derry,'' said McLaughlin. ``Because of the lack of clarity on the part of Derry City Council, this issue, which should have the combined opposition of all parties on Council, is being allowed to become a political issue.
``Let me assure anyone who has any doubt about Sinn Féin's position on incineration - we are opposed to it and will actively campaign against any move to site one anywhere in the North West. Our councillors in the various councils will also oppose such plans.
``Derry City Council should undertake a research study of the various forms of waste management, looking at the benefits in job creation that certain systems would provide. It should not just be a case of how do we dispose of our waste but how can we utilise it in order to make it revenue producing rather revenue wasting.
``Recently an SDLP councillor from Derry City attacked Sinn Féin's policy of working towards an all-Ireland Zero Waste Strategy over the next 25 years - by quoting his inflated cost of such a programme. He would be better occupied researching the benefits and job creation aspects of such a radical approach than indulging in non-productive headline grabbing politics.
``It is time that all elected representatives and political parties made their position clear on incineration. This is not an issue on which parties can be allowed to be ambivalent. You can advocate, tolerate or oppose incineration and your position should be stated now. Sinn Féin will lead the charge in opposition to the imposition of any incinerator in the North West. Our colleagues in the rest of Ireland will do likewise.''
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