Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

CALL FOR A1 ROCK BLASTING INCIDENT TO BE RIGOURSLY INVESTIGATED

Published: 9 April, 2009

Chairperson of Newry and Mourne Council A1 Road Liaison Committee Sinn Féin Councillor Pat Mc Ginn has called for an immediate and rigourous investigation into a recent rock blasting incident at the A1 Beechill to Cloghogue Dual Carraigeway Scheme, after it was revealed that rock shrapnel from the blast landed close by local residents homes. The Councillor commenting after visiting the homes of some local residents affected said that he shared the anger and concerns of local residents living close to the rock blasting operation. He also confirmed that a vehicle owned by a Council Official out monitoring the blasting had been hit by rock from the blast. "This is a serious incident and I have contacted the Contractors, Roads Service and the Councils Environmental Health Department requesting an immediate and rigourous investigation. I have been told that the Health and Safety Executive have been informed and that an investigation into the incident has began" said the Councillor who continued "It is essential that an assurance that this type of dangerous situation does not happen again.Whilst it has been recogonised by all the importance of this major road project and the completion of it is eagerly awaited, we cannot underestimate the concerns of local residents. The Councils Liaison Committee has endeavoured to work with all agencies and stakeholders involved to minmise and address where practically possible inconvenience, but this recent blasting incident is totally unacceptable". Councillor Mc Ginn concluded by stating that there needed to be a definite timescale on when the blasting operation on the stretch of road would end, and also a committment from the Contractors that all homes in the area would be independently and professionally examined to identify any areas of damage caused to homes and other properties as a result of the blasting operation.