More than 2,000 protesters marched from the centre of Killala, Co Mayo yesterday to the location of a proposed asbestos recycling facility on the outskirts of the town. Tom Shiel reports.
At the entrance to the former Asahi plant on the Ballina Road, where Irish Environmental Processes (IEP), plans to locate the facility, the crowd observed a minute's silence in memory of all the people who have died from asbestos- related diseases across the world.
Calling for the minute's silence, Mr Liam Caffrey, chairman of a group opposed to the plant, warned of the death and illness which would follow in the region if the "outrageous proposal was not rejected outright". IEP denies there will be any airborne emissions and says the enterprise can be operated without any danger to public health.
Independent Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley predicted the "mother all battles" to prevent the recycling facility being located in Killala when the company applied to Mayo County Council for planning permission.