FLY-TIPPING of asbestos waste in separate incidents at two Tyrone locations – Ballygawley and Clady – has brought strong condemnation from local DUP and Sinn Féin politicians.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Maurice Morrow said he is horrified by the callous dumping of asbestos waste at a forestry site on the Newtownsaville Road, Ballygawley.
Lord Morrow stated, "This is an absolutely appalling act of dangerous proportions. I do not accept anyone in this day and age is unfamiliar with the horrendous consequences caused by asbestos, as its deadly effects have been amply documented. The additional element is the sheer, brutal determination shown by those responsible who it would appear used a digger to tear through a security gate, before depositing their lethal cargo.
HAZARDOUS
"To simply abandon such a hazardous load of waste, in an area popular with adults and children is grossly negligent. The burst of warm weather could have dried the fibres causing them to become airborne, and spread over a wider area than the initial dumping ground.
"Asbestosis is known to be transmitted by tiny pieces of the fibre getting into the lungs by normal breathing. This eventually causes severe difficulties, and the victim is effectively suffocated. Not only is there no cure, there is little can be done to ease suffering. It is a terrible disease, not only for those afflicted, but for their loved ones to witness.
"The disposal of asbestos is a highly sophisticated process, carried out in stringent conditions to assure no particles can escape and infiltrate the atmosphere. It must be handled by licensed contractors on specified premises.
"Whoever carried out this major incidence of fly-tipping is guilty of even more than environmental pollution. I would urge anyone with information on this incident, no matter how insignificant they feel it may be, to contact the PSNI or Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council.
Meanwhle, asbestos dumped in a burn near Clady has brought strong condemnation from local Sinn Féin Cllr Gerard Foley who said that whoever is responsible has show complete disregard for the local community.
SAFE REMOVAL
"Local people alerted me to the presence of asbestos and on visiting the site I immediately contacted the Technical Services Department of Strabane Council to attempt to organise its safe removal.
"Not only has it been dumped in the vicinity of pensioners' bungalows but the water flow from the burn leads directly into the River Finn."
According to the local councillor, the Technical Services Department have had to liaise with the Environmental and Heritage Service and a specialised contractor will now have to be brought in to remove this asbestos in a safe manner.
"Fly-tipping asbestos is dumping upon the community in more ways than one," said Cllr Foley.
"Not only does it expose the community to serious health hazards but it also means that local ratepayers have to foot the expensive bill to clean up the mess left by an unscrupulous few."
