Waste materials no risk to residents

Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, has published a report stating that the waste on the site poses no danger to either residents or the environment.

Environmental consultants White Young Green carried out analysis into the soil, dust and ground water at the site and concluded that the toxins found at the facility were not of threat.

However, the assessment confirmed the presence of levels of the cancer-causing chromium VI, while elevated levels of arsenic and nickel were found in the area.

The investigation took place after it was believed that the government had covered up the extent of the contamination problem earlier this year.

In July, it was estimated that 500,000 tonnes of waste material is buried at the site.

Currently, only the East Tip of the site, which closed in 2001, has been assessed and now it is recommended that the remaining area also be checked for potential contamination problems.