Tony Gregory
Question:183 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if there was asbestos in the old College of Art building; if personnel there were at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25447/02]
Written Answers. - Asbestos Risk.
A survey was commissioned by consulting engineers to the Office of Public Works prior to the demolition of the National College of Art and Design in connection with the Leinster House 2000 project. It revealed that there were small quantities of white asbestos or chrysotile (a) in insulation on a short length of heating pipe, (b) in a fume cupboard and (c) in the roofing material of an adjoining wooden building. These were removed and disposed of by suitably qualified contractors in accordance with the relevant European and national regulations.
Tests were carried out in accordance with international guidelines to determine the level of airborne fibres. The official record of Enterprise Ireland who carried out the tests show that the levels were below the permitted levels specified in the regulations, i.e. below 0.01 fibres per millilitre of air. In the circumstances it is not considered that personnel were at risk.
Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 180.