Firm questions lack of independent scientific scrutiny & calls for public enquiry

RANDOX Laboratories has hit out at an apparent lack of openness and objectivity in the processing of the Rose Energy planning application for an incinerator plant in Glenavy.

It believes only a public enquiry can bring the necessary independent rigour to what the company sees as a significant threat to future job growth and production at its Crumlin base.

Managing director, Peter Fitzgerald, said; “We expect this planning process to be demonstrably open and transparent and remain unconvinced that our science-based concerns on the impact of our production of our world class, health diagnostic materials have been taken seriously.

“A report by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, part of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is remarkably dismissive of our fears while apparently wholly accepting of data provided for them by the applicant; yet AFBI suggest questions about this evidence should be directed at Rose Energy. If they are not equipped to ask those questions then someone else should!

“We believe no decision can be taken on the application until the source data and science provided by the applicant has been rigorously and verifiably checked by a wholly independent body or agency. To date it is our belief that this has not been done.

“We have written to the minister to reiterate our fears as we seek to protect the 650 bioscience jobs at Randox in Crumlin as well as the future growth of the company globally. In the last year alone we have added 70 more jobs and have ambitious plans to see the business expand.

“Surely there is no reason for all this to be potentially placed in jeopardy by the Rose Energy application and if, as they claim, the proposed plant is safe and clean, then a better and more industrial location can be found rather than rural Northern Ireland.

“Therefore we call for a public enquiry so that all aspects of what are complex scientific matters can be openly and transparently reviewed.”