Local councillors are backing residents' calls for a proposed radioactive waste depot for Newcastle to be relocated.

There was outrage among residents in the Newcastle Park area last week when it was revealed that the HSE has put forward a planning application for the construction of a radioactive waste storage unit adjacent to the estate.

Opposition to the plans has grown considerably in recent days, with city councillors, including Niall O Brolcháin, Catherine Connolly, Billy Cameron and Mayor Tom Costello, urging Galway City Council to turn down the planning application.

The hospital's radioactive waste had previously been stored on the fifth floor of UHG, but due to health and safety concerns, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) advised that it be moved to an alternative location. It is now planned to move the waste to a boiler house complex on the UHG site, which backs on to houses in Newcastle Park.

The planning application has raised concerns about the disposal of hospital waste throughout the city. An emergency motion has now been put forward by local councillors, calling for a detailed report on the disposal of radioactive waste and general waste at UHG, Merlin Park, Bon Secours and the Galway Clinic.

Cllr Connolly said she is extremely concerned at the lack of information in relation to the storage of radioactive waste. She said she hopes that councillors will support the motion when it goes before the chamber in two weeks time.

"There does not appear to be any council policy on this, with each planning application being considered on its own merits by the Planning Department. Councillors should have some input into this policy area, given the health and safety implications for residents in the vicinity of such storage facilities," she said.

The HSE have defended the plans, saying the waste is handled and stored in line with best practice and poses no risk to staff, patients, visitors or members of the public.

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