Road firm used Haulbowline material

Irish Examiner 10/7/08

... Environment Minister John Gormley admitted to the Dáil on Tuesday that anecdotal evidence suggests inert slag material was removed from the site and used for roads while the steelworks was in commercial operation, and possibly also during the period when the liquidator owned the site.

But he said his department has no records of any materials being taken from the site since it took custody of the area in 2003.

Mr Gormley assured the Dáil that consultants White Young Green would carry out "an independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions following the extensive unauthorised works by the subcontractors".

He said the firm has the full benefit of the advice of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute and the Health and Safety Authority in assessing the quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves near Haulbowline Island, in assessing any health or environmental risks that may be posed by the recent works on the east tip, and in monitoring ambient air. Local TDs from Cork will meet with Mr Gormley to discuss the issue today.

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