A number of public agencies have met local residents, councillors and Oireachtas members to discuss concerns about an ongoing fire at a dump in Kerdiffstown, Naas, Co Kildare.
Public health and environmental health staff visited the site today and are liaising with residents over the coming days. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided 24 hour security arrangements on the site.
The fire, which started more than a week ago, has been described as an “environmental emergency” by Charlie Talbot, secretary of Kildare County Council, with the fire services unable to bring it under control. Smoke containing elevated levels of sulphur-dioxide has prompted some local residents to leave their homes.
The agency, the Health Service Executive and Kildare County Council provided up to date reports at yesterday's meeting with residents. Air quality measurement in the area has been increased, although measurements to date indicate no breach of standards, according to the EPA.
The Kildare Fire Service has taken advice from an expert group, although a strategy for dealing with the blaze may take "several weeks to complete". Machinery will be brought in to help in this work, and the EPA’s UK specialist will be on site today to advise further on firefighting strategy.
The HSE has advised that householders in the path of the fire’s smoke plume should close windows and doors for as long as it is present as a precaution. Some people - such as those with existing respiratory or cardiac problems, young children and the elderly - may experience symptoms. The HSE advises that people with symptoms should reduce their level of activity and consult their doctor.
According to the EPA, indications are the burning material consists of wood waste, with some 10 per cent plastic. It added that monitoring revealed no air quality standard breaches “although it has been recognised that the fire and the site itself has caused concerns for local people”.