David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 57: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress he has made in relation to beginning a health study for the Cork Harbour region; when he expects such a study to be under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13407/11]

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 301: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his plans to investigate the relationship between the toxic waste at the former ISPAT site at Haulbowline, County Cork, and general population health in the surrounding area; if he will conduct such an investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13263/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 301 together.

At the outset, I would like provide some details as to what has happened to date in regard to this matter. In 2008, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government commissioned an independent report on the site conditions at Haulbowline. The assessment involved analysis of soil, slag, dust, surface and ground water samples for all likely contaminants to determine if there was a threat to human health or the environment and to assist in securing the site from a health and safety perspective pending the Government's decision as to its future use. The report was published in late 2008 and, based on the monitoring works undertaken, concluded that there were no identified risks to the residential inhabitants of Cork Harbour associated with the presence of waste materials at the East Tip on Haulbowline Island. In the light of this finding, the then Minister for Health and Children confirmed that it was not proposed to conduct a baseline health survey for the Cork Harbour region.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government continues to oversee an annual Dust Impact Assessment Report in relation to the Haulbowline site. The 2010 report, published in March 2011, stated that "overall it can be concluded that the site activities on the former Irish Steelworks Site at Haulbowline, Cobh, is having no significant impact on the receiving environment in terms of fugitive dust emissions". I visited Cork on 29 April 2011 and during my visit the matter of the Haulbowline site was raised directly with me. Following on from this, and bearing in mind the extensive nature of the investigations undertaken to date, I have asked the Chief Medical Officer of my Department to advise me if the matter should be investigated further. I expect the Chief Medical Officer's consideration of this matter will be completed within 4-6 weeks.