Following concerns arising in relation to work undertaken on behalf of the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government at the ISPAT site, as a purely precautionary measure, an independent investigation of any potential health issues arising at the Naval Base in Haulbowline was undertaken in 2008.
A comprehensive and detailed assessment of soil, sediment and air quality was carried out to assess any potential risks posed to human health. The initial report by the Independent consultants was completed and the report concluded that any risk arising within the Naval Base falls within the acceptable range, meaning that there is no exposure to undue risks and that no mitigating action needs to take place. I wish to state clearly that there is no unacceptable risk posed to personnel at the Naval Base and this is clearly supported by the independent assessment.