The operation of a landfill site in Co Cork is causing significant environmental problems, the High Court was told yesterday. Mr Jack O'Sullivan, an environmental consultant, claimed there was a "constant danger" that the "mismanagement" of the landfill site at Ballyguyroe, Kildorrery, Co Cork, "could lead to fire or explosion on the site".
He claimed there was "a very significant degree of non-compliance" with the directions of the Minister for the Environment regarding the operation of the landfill site as set out in a certificate signed in June 1995.
He claimed that when he inspected the landfill site last May he noted "a very noxious odour" and "clear evidence that landfill gas was being generated in large quantities and was not being properly or safely vented to the atmosphere, but was being emitted in an uncontrolled and dangerous manner".
He said it was his view that if fine silt-like material noted in the Farahy river had become contaminated by components derived from the landfill it was likely this would have contributed to the reported outbreaks of ill-health among animals belonging to a local farmer.
Mr O'Sullivan's claims were contained in an affidavit read in court yesterday at the opening of an action by a group of local people against Cork County Council.
Five people are claiming the council failed to comply with planning conditions for the site laid down in a Department of Environment certificate.
They are seeking damages as well as a restraining order against the council. The proceedings are brought by four people from Kildorrery: Mr John Geary, Quitrent; Mr James Clahane, Tankardstown; Mr Thomas Jackson, Ballyshonack; and Mr David Dwane, Farahy; as well as Ms Sheila Coughlin from Ballinguyroe, Shanballymore, Mallow.
They claim the site was started as an illegal development in 1990 and continued until certified by the Minister for the Environment in 1995. They further claim the council failed to comply with the modifications and conditions set out by the Minister in the certificate.
They say the council lodged plans and documents with the Minister, including an Environmental Impact Statement, and got a certificate. They allege the council has not complied with a single condition of the Minister's "permission" and has developed the site in a different way from the plans they submitted to the Minister.