Childers seeks EU investigation into pollution claim at Kilkenny farm

Issued : Wednesday 27 January, 2010

The European Parliament Petitions Committee today heard calls from Leinster Labour MEP Nessa Childers for the European Commission to conduct an independent investigation into claims that elevated levels of a dangerous pollutant is poisoning cattle at a farm in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

Nessa Childers said: "An independent investigation carried out by the European Commission is the only way we can reach a definitive conclusion to this long-running saga. Dan Brennan's struggle has gone on for too long and it is high time he and his family received closure on this difficult chapter in their lives.

"I will be visiting the farm shortly to meet with the Brennan family and their advisors in order to assist them to move the process on.

"The Parliament's Petition's Committee had some harsh words for the Environmental Protection Agency today in terms of its handling of the issue. Mr Brennan and others have also lost confidence in the ability of the Department of Agriculture to reach a conclusive position on this case.

"It is now necessary for the European Commission itself to carry out an extensive investigation into this ongoing case in order to achieve closure for the Brennan family and for the community of Castlecomer."