Written Answers - Health and Safety Issues. Tuesday, 4 November 2008

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  387.  Deputy Seán Sherlock      asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government      when the White Young Green recommendations relating to the future of the Hawlbowline site at Cobh County Cork will be published, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37992/08]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley):    Following extensive unauthorised works by sub-contractors my Department re-engaged consultants, White Young Green, to carry out an independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions on Haulbowline, including assessment of any health or environmental risks posed by the work, assessing quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves in the vicinity and ambient air monitoring. White Young Green previously carried out an extensive intrusive site investigation in 2005 which indicated no evidence of any immediate threat to human health or the environment.

Test results will be assessed against baseline data from the previous survey. The final report is to be delivered to my Department, today, 4 November, and a copy will be forwarded immediately to peer reviewers. Both the White Young Green and the peer review reports will be published in the coming weeks once they have been assessed by my Department, and any recommendations arising from these reports will inform proposals to Government.

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Last Updated: 08/10/2010 07:16:08

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