Pet Pollution Plans Prevented

Andrew Byrne has made an application to Wicklow County Council to convert a milking parlor into an incinerator for the disposal of the bodies of pets. In a document describing the proposed development, Mr. Byrne says that many people have great difficulty in disposing of the body of a pet that has died. Most pet's bodies are currently dumped in landfill sites such as the one at Ballymurtagh. "It is obviously a very distressing thought for owners to know that their pet has been sent to such a place", says Byrne.

'Hot Dawg' (The Objector's Logo)

The planned cremation service involves an incinerator about the size of a car with a twenty foot high smoke stack. The developers say that the crematorium will not be used for incinerating farm animals, that only 50 Kg of animal remains will be cremated per hour, and that there will be 'no odour or smoke'.

However many residents of Redcross disagree. Jimmy Doyle, a spokesperson for the residents, asks "If they are so happy to develop a crematorium then why don't they do it on their own doorstep in Bray?". "We are very worried about the pollution aspect and about the possibility of piles of dead animals awaiting incineration". Other residents have expressed concerns about the possible effects on local tourism - the village's main industry.

Data included with the application states that 'particulate matter' to be emitted from the proposed crematorium includes Hydrogen Chloride, Organic Compounds and Sulphur Dioxide. Tests indicate that such emissions would range from 79% to 89% of acceptable limits.

However, Mr. Byrne says that there would be no toxic emissions and has offered to meet with the objectors to explain his proposals further.