Mark Ruskell secures commitment on Mossmorran compensation
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell has secured a commitment from the First Minister to look at compensation from those who have suffered as a result of pollution from the Mossmorran gas plant in Fife.
At First Minister’s Questions, Mark Ruskell raised this week’s 'Report on the Health Impacts of Flaring at Mossmorran and Historical Cancer Incidence' from NHS Fife, which clearly shows flaring at the plant caused significant physical and psychological disturbance to local residents, impacting on their health, sleep patterns and anxiety levels.
Mark Ruskell asked Nicola Sturgeon if the residents could expect compensation, with the FM promising to “consider the evidence Mark Ruksell has presented here today and do so, as we would always seek to do so, in consultation with local communities”.
Speaking afterwards, Mark Ruskell said: “This report is clear that pollution from Mossmorran has had an impact on local residents, so I’m delighted that the Scottish Government has now agreed to consider its findings and look into compensation.
“Everyone has the right to live a peaceful existence in their own home, but this is something local residents in Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, and surrounding villages have been denied for some time now. This report means their concerns can no longer be passed off as hype or hysteria, and must be taken seriously by the plant operators and all the agencies involved.”
"Compensation should be part of a full, independent investigation into the health and social impacts of Mossmorran, the second biggest polluter in Scotland.”