Love Island winner Greg O'Shea and rugby star Paul O'Connell join protest against 'toxic' waste burning

Protestors including celebrities, politicians and well known sports personalities braved torrential downpours for a demonstration on Saturday.

Up to 2,000 concerned citizens shouted NO” to plans by Irish Cement Ltd to burn up to 90,000 tonnes of “toxic” waste per annum at its production plant in Limerick.

Celebrity Love Island winner, Greg O’Shea, joined billionaire horse racing tycoon JP McManus and former Irish, Munster, and Lions rugby hero Paul O’Connell, in supporting the massive protest.

Limerick students Aisling Muir, Rachel Angland, Ella Schasser, Aebhan Houlihan, Aimee Madigan and Eilis Houlihan were amoung the thousands of protestors turned up in the heavy rain at Limerick City Hall oncerned that Irish Cement have received permission from the EPA to burn alternative fuels including used tyres at their plant in Mungret. (Liam Burke/Press 22)

Last month, despite receiving over 4,000 objections, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) upheld a decision by An Bord Pleanala to allow Irish Cement burn used tyres, animal waste, sludge, plastics and other waste at its plant in Castlemungret.

Greg said: “When I heard what was going on with the license being passed, I couldn’t believe it. I thought I misread the (situation) initially.

“Obviously, I don’t know how much of an impact I can have, but I’m showing my support anyway for my city. I’m proud to be from Limerick and we have just got to do our best.”

Mr McManus, who kept a watching brief at oral hearings held by An Bord Pleanala last year, said yesterday he remained “concerned” over the plans.

Molly Shiels(16), Kildimo, Limerick was one of protestors who turned up in the heavy rain at Limerick City Hall concerned that Irish Cement Limited were given the green light by the Environmental Protection Agency to burn alternative fuels including used tyres at its Mungret facility. (Liam Burke/Press 22)

Gentle rugby giant Paul O’Connell, maintained a silent protest, only confirming he was “speaking with my feet”.

The protest was organised by Limerick Against Pollution (LAP), a group of concerned residents who live near the Mungret plant.

The group’s spokeswoman, Claire Keating, said they would appeal the EPA decision and, if necessary, they would take their protest to the European courts.