“I welcome news of the long-overdue launch of the public consultation on remediation of Mobuoy dump, which was first promised at the end of 2023,” Gerry Carroll said.
“This illegal, toxic dump was the biggest of its kind in Europe, risking possible pollution of drinking water, damage to public health and destruction of the surrounding environment. It is crucial that the consultation is progressed as quickly as possible, in close partnership with the local community.
“The fact that it has taken more than a decade for the profiteering criminals in question to be brought to justice is a clear indication that current enforcement mechanisms are failing. Other illegal dumping sites across the north continue to wreak ecological havoc.
“The shambolic handling of Mobuoy warrants a public inquiry, and also highlights the urgent need for an independent Environmental Protection Agency.”
Derry's People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin said:
"The only reason anyone has been held criminally accountable for the illegal Mobuoy dump is because of the persistence of campaigners to expose the truth and demand action. Often treated as an nuisance, they should be fully commended for their efforts.
"Tens of millions was made out of turning Mobuoy toxic, but it was an open secret. There is no way this enterprise happened without the knowledge and consent of elements of the political and business establishment.
"There are illegal dumps all over the North. Lough Neagh has been poisoned by pollution. Raw sewage is dumped directly into our rivers, streams and coastal waters. This includes the River Foyle.
"RHI was environmental crime. Moy Park has made hundreds of millions, and others have profited massively, as a direct consequence of Stormont's disastrous 'Going for Growth' policy.
"A judge ruled the environment wrecking practices of Dalradian, the billionaire goldmining corporation, are illegal and 99% of respondents to a public consultation objected to mining licences being granted. Nevertheless, the Economy Minister and the Department for Economy still sees fit to dish them out.
"Profiteering from pollution has been given a greenlight by the Stormont political establishment for decades. It's been treated as an acceptable way to do business. It's the capitalist way.
"This is why there has been an attempt to bury the issue of Mobuoy since it was first exposed more than a decade ago.
"This is why there is tremendous resistance to the demand for a public inquiry into Mobuoy dump.
"This is why there is opposition from Executive Parties for an Independent Environmental Protection Agency, as Gerry Carroll has said.
"The Stormont Assembly passed a Climate Act but it won't matter as long as profiteering, no matter the cost, by big business is prioritised over protecting our water, land, air and health.
"The Mobuoy dump ruling is a wake-up call for urgent action to protect our environment and on the need to hold government and polluters to account.
"Urgent action number one is working with local residents to clean up the mess at Mobuoy."