March 2nd, 2006

Hundreds of people in Ireland have been getting involved in a protest to object against an asbestos dump in West Belfast. The protest took place outside the office of Grove Services Group, with people from all walks of life coming together to stand their ground against the move, including politicians, community workers, and those affected by asbestos in some way.

Concerned parents and pensioners also got involved, and at the protest Sinn Fein Councillor, Paul Maskey, promised that the community would not allow deadly asbestos to be stored in West Belfast. The councillor assured protestors that he plans to get the plans for the asbestos dump scrapped.

Maskey stated: “We will not allow this to happen in Andersonstown. If this application is given the go ahead it will act as a green light for other companies to do the same across Belfast.”

Another councillor stated: “The large turnout today shows the deep concern the people of West Belfast have about these plans. It is just incredible to think that the planners have agreed to an asbestos dump so close to a large housing estate, a nursery school and business park. It is probable that asbestos will be transferred from across the North to here. Reports have shown that there is a high risk of asbestos escaping from bags being transported to the dump, and a medium risk of the deadly dust escaping during manual handling by plant workers. This is totally unacceptable.”