Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take on foot of the White Young Green report into pollution emanating from Haulbowline Island; if it is his intention to investigate areas such as beneath the former steelworks buildings as recommended in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3900/09]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received a report from Cork County Council regarding licences or permits that might have issued for the removal for recycling of slag material from the former Irish Ispat site at Haulbowline Island. [3901/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 38 together.

My Department is finalising a Memorandum for Government which will provide an update on the outcome of the extensive site investigation and the interim works carried out since 2003 at Haulbowline and will detail options for future use of the site which will determine the levels and extent of further works and remediation that may be required. Investigation of the areas under the footprint of the steelworks buildings which were not possible to access at the time of the 2005 site investigation due to the unstable nature of the buildings remains a key issue to be addressed in this context.

Consultations with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment which holds a current mandate from Government to establish a group to look at future options for the site, the Department of Finance who own the site and the Department of Defence who share the Island of Haulbowline will shortly be initiated. Consultation with the local community so that their requirements can be considered by the Government will also be pursued.

My Department has neither requested nor received a report from Cork County Council regarding licences or permits that might have issued for the removal for recycling of slag material from the site prior to my Department taking over management of the site in June 2003.