Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The money has been provided and the works will start in June next. It is intended that the initial works will be completed by October. Further works are scheduled to take place in 2009 and 2010. It will be necessary to obtain a waste licence from the Environmental Protection Agency for the planned storage of hazardous waste at the Garryard site. This is a complex matter which is being actively pursued by the project team. It is expected that an application will be made for this purpose in the very near future.

Work is also continuing on finalising the detailed designs for the other sites to be rehabilitated at Silvermines. In addition, essential conservation works are being carried out on the historic mine structures at Ballygowan and Shallee. That money was made available and the Government has shown its commitment by providing €10.6 million for the work at Silvermines. I realise the threat it presents——

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