Friends of the Earth target NI pollution

Owners of polluting factories and landfill sites across Northern Ireland were put on notice this week as Friends of the Earth published a new guide to fighting pollution. The briefing which is free of charge gives individuals and communities the information they need to tackle pollution in their area.

Commenting as it was published, the guide's author, Friends of the Earth Campaigner Lisa Fagan, explained that Northern Ireland did not deserve its clean, green reputation.

"Recent media reports have exploded the myth that Northern Ireland is a green and pleasant land,” she said. “Raw sewage is pumped into the sea at Portrush, Larne, Bangor and Donaghadee, and the countryside is littered with illegal dumps. Northern Ireland's failure to comply with European environmental law prompted Friends of the Earth to make six separate complaints to the European Commission.

“Our new guide enables people living in the shadow of this pollution to get involved in the campaign".

Ms Fagan said Friends of the Earth had made six complaints to the European Commission in recent months concerning Northern Ireland's failure to comply with European environmental law.

The new guide is available free of charge from Friends of the Earth by ringing 028 9023 3488.

(MB/SP)