Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2011
264 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the necessary environmental clean-up at the former steel plant site on Haulbowline Island, County Cork. [6600/11]
View answer271 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the toxic site at Haulbowline, County Cork has been remediated and if we are currently being fined by the European Commission because of the ongoing environmental damage at the site; his plans for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6776/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 264 and 271 together.
From 2004 to 2009, my Department had an interim role in the management of the former Ispat site in a manner which is consistent with good practice and minimisation of risk to human health and the environment. My Department arranged for the decontamination and demolition of buildings on the site and, post-demolition, for the procurement of a contractor for site surface clearance, back filling of voids and the disposal of surface wastes to be undertaken.
An Office of Public Works chaired working group has been developing a structured and coherent approach to the further management of the former Ispat site. The working group's terms of reference include examining the regulatory requirements for the site and advising the Government on the site's most beneficial future use. Plans for future use will determine the levels and extent of further works and/or remediation required, as well as helping to clarify further regulatory requirements, national and European, which may fall to be met.
I understand that the working group's report to Government is being finalised, and I look forward to its completion, and submission to Government. The Government recognises that a finalised and transparent approach will help toward addressing concerns of the local community.
Ireland has not been subject to any EU fines in relation to the former Ispat site.
