Health and Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022

Tuesday, 1 March 2022

Ceisteanna (708, 709)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

708. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention and that of the Chief Medical Officer has been drawn to proposals to expand a refinery in Limerick (details supplied). [11209/22]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

709. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention and that of the Chief Medical Officer has been drawn to a report (details supplied) regarding human health in Askeaton, County Limerick. [11210/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 709 together.

My Department is aware of the proposed expansion plan to the Aughinish Alumina’s bauxite refinery, however, my Department has no direct role in matters relating to planning. The HSE has advised my Department that it has been formally consulted by the EPA regarding the license review of Aughinish Alumina’s bauxite refinery - the HSE will consider the request and provide a submission as appropriate. To date, the HSE has not been consulted by any planning authority on the planning application. Ultimately, any decision on the planning application in this matter is for An Bord Pleanála.

My Department has only recently become aware of the report by Dr. Walters which the Deputy refers to.

Question No. 709 answered with Question No. 708.