Tragic Saga Forced Incinerator Shutdown

RALPH RIEGEL / Irish Independent 9jul02

A BELGIAN family whose tragic saga of health problems led to the shutdown of a controversial old incinerator have taken their lifelong battle against incineration to Ireland.

Fred de Baere and his family are now travelling around Ireland in a camper van pleading with locals to fight incineration projects to the bitter end. Fred de Baere's battle against incineration began when his son David was born with dwarfism - despite no history of such genetic problems in their family. David, who is just 42cms tall, is travelling with his father in Ireland.

Mr de Baere remains convinced David's condition was caused by emissions from an ageing incinerator near their house.

Once the de Baeres demanded answers, it was found that there was a high rate of birth defects in the area around an old incinerator in the St Nicolas area of Belgium. After a campaign and medical research, the incinerator was shut.

The de Baeres reject assurances that new technology has made incinerators safer.

To underline the point, the de Baeres have travelled to Ireland to help anti-incineration groups in Cork, Tipperary, Meath, Galway and Waterford.

"We don't want anyone to suffer what we have suffered," said Fred de Baere.

Cork anti-incineration group, CHASE, welcomed the de Baeres' visit, saying it highlights the human dimension of incineration.

Last night, Mr de Baere addressed a special anti-incineration meeting in Carrigaline, Co Cork. Tomorrow night he will address another rally in Cobh. The Belgian campaigners plan to visit every county in Ireland where incinerators are planned or even contemplated.

A total of over 500m worth of incinerator projects are currently planned in Cork, Meath and Tipperary with further incinerator proposals expected to be announced for Waterford, Galway and Kildare/Dublin.

source:  http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=785203&issue_id=7686  9jul02