12th of August 2024

Without Prejudice

Statement from the East Galway Gas Plant Concern Group

The East Galway Gas Plant Concern Group is composed of volunteers from the communities of Killimor and Portumna – mainly parents of young children – who are entirely focused on protecting the health and safety of our children, community and the local environment. 

We have engaged all local representatives on this time-sensitive issue and continue to work closely with those who have honoured their commitments to provide assistance.

Our recent request for action was driven by Minister Anne Rabbitte’s repeated assurances to the public that she would escalate concerns and arrange public meetings with key stakeholders including government officials. However, despite these promises, no action appears to have been taken. It is incredibly disheartening to see how asking a Minister to follow through on their promises could be perceived as politically motivated or regarded as interference in the planning process. This is merely diverting attention from the real issue at hand. 

We believe that any elected public representative who makes commitments in public must follow through on those commitments. If this is not possible, we urge a more cautious approach in making loose promises to constituents which cannot be fulfilled. 

Be under no illusion, the future of our community and the health of our children is at stake and this is our priority. In pursuit of our sole objective, we have submitted a 136-page objection for consideration by Galway County Council (GCC) planning office.  

We will continue working around the clock to harness further support and leverage the truly incredible and heartfelt support we have been shown right across our community and far beyond. This project entails an ever-evolving landscape of knowledge and with each day we grow more confident that we will overcome this challenge and achieve a positive outcome for East Galway. With the closing of the GCC application today, we now turn our attention to the An Bord Pleanála applications concerning the fossil-fuel power plant and GIS.

Sincerely, 

East Galway Gas Plant Concern Group

Contact Us: eastgalwaygpcg@gmail.com
Visit Us: eastgalway.org