Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Lalor calls for All-Ireland Environmental Protection Agency

Published: 26 June, 2006

Sinn Féin Cllr Daren Lalor has called for the 26-County Environmental Protection Agency to be reconstituted as an all-Ireland body with strong enforcement powers.

Cllr Lalor was reacting to news that the Six Counties is edging closer to setting up its own Environmental Protection Agency. He said it makes no sense to have two separate agencies on the one Island doing exactly the same job.

Cllr Lalor said:

"There is obviously an urgent need for an environmental watchdog in the Six Counties, similar to that which exists in the 26 Counties. But it makes no sense to have to separate agencies on the one Island doing exactly the same job especially as illegal dumping, pollution etc don't recognise borders.

"These are issues that we need to be addressing together north and south. There should be no, 'go it alone' attitude. Sinn Féin is calling for the 26-County Environmental Protection Agency to be reconstituted as an all-Ireland body with strong enforcement powers."