asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the atmospheric pollution resulting from the recent emissions of asbestos dust from a factory in County Cork; if he has fully investigated the cause of these emissions; the steps he proposes to take to ensure that such pollution will not recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Asbestos Plant.
36.
I understand that on two occasions recently spillages of asbestos material occurred within the factory referred to. The causes of the spillages are being investigated by the Department of Labour which is responsible for the administration of the Factories (Asbestos Processes) Regulations, 1975. Cork County Council are the planning authority responsible for enforcing planning conditions relating to this factory. Certain of these conditions require the installation of filters at various points in the premises and general dust control by high-efficiency vacuum cleaners. The purpose of these conditions is to control dust emissions from the factory in the interests of public health. Following the spillages the matter was investigated by the county council who have informed me that there is no evidence of any breach of the relevant planning conditions or to substantiate any suggestion that atmospheric pollution resulted outside the factory.
First of all, responsibility for what happened in the factory rests with the Department of Labour, but any external pollution is the responsibility of this Department. Has the Minister got the result of the monitoring of the emission from the factory chimney stack on any of the two relevant occasions and, if so, was it above the permitted level?
The planning authority cannot be certain that there was not an escape of asbestos dust from the factory because there is not continuous monitoring. The IIRS carry out monitoring of the external atmosphere on a regular basis for the company but they were not monitoring it when the spillage occurred.
I take it from the Minister's reply that there is not accurate monitoring of emissions from the factory chimney stack. Is that what the Minister has told me?
I have told the Deputy that it was not being monitored at that time. I also said there is not continuous monitoring. The IIRS carry out the monitoring for the company and the result of that monitoring is conveyed to the local authority.
Therefore, there could be a serious emission of asbestos dust to the outside atmosphere without it being recorded by either the local authority or the IIRS. Is that correct?
We had an alleged spillage when there was not monitoring. I admit that that could happen when monitoring is not taking place, as we now understand. It should be monitored continuously.
Is the Minister aware what these conditions were imposed in the planning permission for the erection of this factory? Can I take it from the Minister's reply that the company are in breach of the planning permission conditions and, if so what steps does the Minister propose to take to deal with the matter?
As I said in my original reply, the county council have informed me that there is not evidence of a breach of the relevant planning conditions.
How do they know if monitoring was not being done at that time?
I have told the Deputy what I have been informed by Cork County Council. They have not got evidence of a breach of the planning conditions.
How could they, when it was not being monitored on that occasion?
They have told me they have not found evidence of a breach of the planning conditions.
It was not being monitored at the time of the initial spillage.
Not at that time. We are talking about Cork County Council, of which the Deputy is a member.
Yes, and I opposed planning permission, as did the Minister for Labour.
In view of the clearly established medical evidence of a connection between asbestos dust and the incidence of cancer, in view of the Minister's admission that there is not constant monitoring of this controversial factory, will the Minister and the Government, in conjunction with the local authority, have constant monitoring? If so, who will pay for the cost of such constant monitoring?
The monitoring is being done on behalf of the company. It also involves the Department of Labour and Cork County Council. I admit that constant monitoring is very important and I will take the initiative with a view to having continuous monitoring.
Will the Minister examine the planning conditions and will he assure himself that there was not a contravention of planning permission?
I will get a special report on it.
I accept the Minister will now investigate the matter with the possibility of continuous monitoring in view, but I asked who will pay for this?
When I get a report on the situation and when I have discussed it with the Department of Labour and the local authority, I will reach a decision. I would think that because the company were responsible for the monitoring which was continuous they will accept responsibility for the cost of continuous monitoring.
Question No. 37 is for written reply.