Ógra Shinn Féin protest pollution Scandal in Cork

A number of Ógra activists in the newly formed McCurtain/Doherty Ógra Cumann in Cork City were recently in Cobh to protest at the lack of clarity and information coming from the Dublin government over pollution in the area.

The site of the former Irish steel/ispat plant was recently found to have dangerous levels of lethal toxins such as Chromium 6 and mercury on the site.

This is believed to be caused by the amateurish attempts at removing the slag heap and demolishing the former furnace hall, statistics from the National Cancer Registry show that cancer levels in the town of Cobh are 44% above the national average.

Cork Ógra Shinn Féin spokesperson Donnchadh O’Laoghaire said,

“Higher cancer rates are also found in Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy and Passage/Monkstown - but Cobh Urban is by far the worst, and it is widely believed that this is a result of it’s proximity to the former plant.”

“Locals had regularly raised fears about the potential of carcinogenic and hazardous chemicals being present in the local water over the years, but were regularly reassured that there was nothing to be concerned about. It now turns out that the people of Cobh and former workers had their health seriously put at risk.”

“Ógra Shinn Féin Chorcaí felt they had to raise this issue, and their protest was well received by locals. This will not be a once off, and we will not let the government forget what has been done to the people of Cobh.”