A group of concerned locals have raised concerns over health risks from an asphalt plant in the Minish area

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The Clasheen Minish Action Group will meet at Lissivigeen National School on May 1.

They are concerned that odours from a Roadstone asphalt plan in the area are posing heath-risks.

In December 2022 the Environmental Protection Agency granted Roadstone an asphalt production licence despite widespread concerns by local groups including residents and organisations like Killarney National Park, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Caragh River Catchment Special Area of Conservation, Shehere Bog SAC and Killarney National Park Special Protection Area.
Since the plant opened there have being growing concerns that odours and emissions from the plant are causing health risks in the area.
Last October Kerry County Council held a meeting with the Health and Safety Executive’s Environmental officials from the Health and Public Health Department bit. So far, nothing has come out of that meeting.
“People in the locality have genuine health concerns regarding emissions and odour being emitted from the plant. Why have the HSE not taken ownership of this issue and conducted their own investigation as public health falls within their remit,” said a  local resident. 
“To date it would appear that KCC have had to deal with ongoing issues regarding the asphalt plant and odour on their own. It is clear from speaking with locals that complaints have been made to KCC, Environmental Health and EPA. The EPA are aware of the ongoing issues. Why are the EPA not involved in resolving the odour nuisance issue?”
The residents will also raise concerns on road safety issue due to the increase in the number of large trucks entering the site since the plant became operational.
The residents seek clarity on permitted vehicle movements in and out of the site/
“[We want to] confirm if road markings and signage were undertaken as per planning report” added Mr Murphy.
“[Regarding] the stacking of right turning HGV’s currently taking place on N22, will Transport Infrastructure Ireland undertake a junction review based on increased traffic volumes and their earlier concerns regarding intensification of a road junction during planning consultation stage?"

The Killarney Advertiser sought comment from both Kerry County Council and Roadstone but replies were not received at the time of going to press on Thursday evening.