Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in the context of the recent disclosures regarding Haulbowline, his attention has been drawn to other sites here which contain high levels of contamination; the active steps he is taking to discover such areas in view of the environmental and public health concerns involved; when such areas were brought to his attention; the steps he has taken to address the implications of such contamination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27884/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The position in relation to Haulbowline is an exceptional one in that my Department, on foot of a Government decision in this regard, has responsibility for the care and maintenance of this specific site. This is the only such site currently under the remit of my Department. In regard to the question of any other site in the country, my Department does not compile or maintain a list of such sites which could relate to any contaminated land.

With regard to landfill remediation under the Waste Management Acts the statutory responsibility for landfill remediation lies with the local authorities and statutory responsibility for national hazardous waste management planning rests with the EPA which has prepared a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Section 60(3) of the Act precludes me as Minister from exercising power or control over a matter for which the Agency or local authorities have statutory responsibility.