Local groups object to the development of a domestic refuse dump at the Liffey Valley in west Dublin.
Dublin County Council (DCC) is proposing to site a domestic refuse dump on the south bank of the Liffey at Waterstown between Chapelizod and Palmerstown.
A 50-acre natural woodland wilderness area where up to now people could walk, swim, fish, and go boating on the clear unpolluted waters of the Liffey.
DCC workers are currently flattening the area for dumping and access roads are being laid down at such a rapid rate that,
Local residents have threatened to lie down in front of the machinery.
Despite the objections, bin lorries are already moving in and out of this scenic area.
The residents believe rubbish whether covered or not, will attract rats, and seagulls, bringing air and water pollution. They are fearful of the associated health hazards, particularly for children. This pollution could even endanger the Liffey itself.
Residents from the Liffey Valley area including Palmerstown, Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Lucan, have banded together to form the Liffey Valley Defence Alliance (LVDA) to put pressure on local political representatives. The alliance represents every community council in the area from Islandbridge to Celbridge.
Vice chairperson of the LVDA John Bale disagrees the group represents nimbyism as the area they are striving to save is of national scenic importance. He accepts the refuse must go somewhere but believes Dublin County Council could examine several alternatives for disposing of the rubbish, including incineration, and compacting and composting.
We believe they have not fully investigated these alternatives and that they should do now before proceeding any further with the developments here.
The development work took those living in the area by surprise and John Bale explains,
We are getting little or no information at all from Dublin County Council.
The LDVA has requested meetings with the county manager and has been refused. The west Dublin County Councillors are doing all they can to bring about an emergency meeting but during the peak holiday season, it is not easy to arrange a meeting of the full DCC.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 August 1984. The reporter is John O'Donohue.
