Gormley reassures Cork residents over ex-steelworks

John Gormley, the minister for the environment, heritage and local government, met with Cork residents to discuss the ex-steelworks site at Haulbowline and the waste deposited there earlier this week.


In an attempt to allay residents concern over future plans for the area, Mr Gormley said: “I am absolutely determined to be as transparent as possible as we bring this site to the point where the government can make an informed decision as to its optimum use in the future.”

He added it was unfortunate a contractor’s unauthorised actions had caused local people such anxiety and assured them that the contract had been terminated.

Residents were also informed the site had been monitored continuously since 2005 and that this would carry on.

Mr Gormley promised he would make reports available which detailed the monitoring process.

Last month, the minister reported that a contractor had undertaken unauthorised work after discovering a sludge pit of hazardous waste at the site.

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