The investigation into unauthorised disposal of wastes on a former quarry at Laffan's Bridge near Killenaule, County Tipperary, was carried out by my Department's internal audit unit in association with its environmental inspectorate. An overview of this internal investigation was provided to me by the Secretary General of my Department and has been made publicly available. A copy is being sent to the Deputy.
The investigation looked into specific allegations relating to waste disposal practices in Kilkenny national monuments depot and, in particular, the composition of the waste stream involved, the duration of the unauthorised practices and the disposal site involved. The investigation tentatively estimated the volume of waste dumped at the site to be some 3,400 to 4,000 tonnes and also that some of this was generated by third parties.
It is for the environmental regulatory authority concerned, Tipperary South Riding County Council, to prescribe any appropriate remediation measures in relation to the site concerned, and my Department will continue to co-operate with the council in this regard.
Following on from the discovery of the unauthorised disposal of wastes at the site near Killenaule, my Department issued formal guidance on the waste management regulatory regime for my Department's non-office locations so as to ensure that appropriate waste management practices are being followed at all such locations.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 8.
