Waste Management.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004

Thursday, 30 September 2004

Ceisteanna (75)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

76 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost to the Exchequer of work to decontaminate a site (details supplied) in County Cork, following the recent decision of the High Court that the liquidator was not responsible for these costs; the steps being taken to ensure the decontamination of the site; when it is expected that this work will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22569/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1263 of 29 September 2004 as regards the removal of hazardous materials from the Haulbowline site. The likely cost of remedying the site cannot be quantified with any great degree of certainty until the site investigation has been carried out and appropriate remedying strategies identified. Estimates based on a desk-top survey are that the programme could cost in the region of €30 million, but the ultimate cost may be more or less than that, depending on preferred development options and the level of remediation required.

On completion of the site investigation and identification and costing of the remediation options, the Government will have the information to decide what strategy to adopt in securing the remediation and development of the site, and how long this will take. I expect to be in a position to make recommendations in this regard in the latter half of next year.