Govt created serious health risk through inadequate investigation of Haulbowline toxic dump

Speaking after a Dáil debate on the Department of the Environment's decision not to clean up toxic waste in Cork Harbour, Cork Fine Gael TD Deirdre Clune, accused the Government of putting local residents' health at risk by mishandling initial investigations into the onsite dangers.

"The Government took over this site in 2003 but failed to carry out a comprehensive survey of the area, failed to understand the level of contamination on site and failed to understand the potential hazards to public health that continues to exist.

"The survey carried out in 2004 was apparently a surface survey which failed to expose the subsurface lagoons of toxic waste that existed. It was in no way the comprehensive survey that was necessary.

"Junior Environment Minister Máire Hoctor could not inform provide the Dáil with details of the level of contamination on the site, whether any of the contaminants had leached into Cork Harbour or what was the level of public health risk.

"Environment Minister John Gormley needs to come before the Dáil at the first opportunity and answer these questions. If the Minister admits that his Department did instruct the company carrying out the clean-up to limit its investigation, thereby risking the health of thousands of local residents, and to cap hazardous and potentially lethal waste, then there must be an immediate internal investigation to determine at what level in the Minister's Department this decision was taken."

Deridre Clune used to be a Civil Engineer sop she knows what she is talking about, unlike some in Government...

Minister Misleads Dáil

Cork South Central TD, Simon Coveney, has accused Minister of State Máire Hoctor of misleading the Dáil by claiming that during the past five years, only a surface investigation has been conducted of the former ISPAT site in Cork Harbour.

Coveney made the accusation during a debate on a Private Notice Question put down by himself and Cork TDs David Stanton, Deirdre Clune, Sean Sherlock and Ciaran Lynch on the issue in the Dáil this afternoon.

"If what Minister of State Hoctor is saying is true, then the Government has deliberately ignored what everyone suspected to be subsurface contamination at the site.

"If on the other hand, as is common knowledge, a subsurface investigation has taken place, then the Minister has deliberately misled the Dáil, and is complicit in a cover-up of the Government's knowledge as to the extent of the hazardous material. If this is the case, and Government Ministers have been sitting on information and have not exposed the true extent of hazardous material on the site, their actions can only be described as grossly negligent.

"This is an issue of huge concern for residents of Ringaskiddy, people working in the naval base in Haulbowline and in the maritime college. It is also of concern to residents in Cobh and the thousands of people who use the harbour for recreational purposes.

"The Government needs to be upfront and honest, expose the full extent of hazardous material on the site, and put in place a short-term plan to clean the site up and guarantee public safety. Because of the level of suspicion and anger, nothing else will restore public confidence on this issue."

He is right on the honesty, something that is lacking in the current government!

Answers Raise More Questions

The Hawlbowline story continues.

Fine Gael Cork East TD, David Stanton criticses Máire Hoctor TD's, Minister of State, non-response on Haulbowline waste.

"The Minister's response this afternoon regarding hazardous waste at Haulbowline has raised more questions about the safety of local people, in particular naval personnel, than it has answered. Deposits of heavy metal and toxic chemicals are a very serious matter and raise serious health and safety and environmental issues.

"Not only could the Minister not give a clear account of the number of reports carried out on the site, she was also unable to give answers to the impact of waste on the local community. At this stage, it is still very unclear as to what dangers this waste poses. Are toxic chemicals seeping into the sea and harbour area? Is there an aquifer at that location?

"I have written to the Chairman of the Oireachtas Environmental Committee seeking an emergency sitting of the Committee to discuss this issue. It is essential that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, officials from the EPA, Health and Safety Authority, the HSE and member of Cork County Council appear before this Committee to provide answers.

"The Government must take immediate action to provide an efficient and effective solution to what could be the single most hazardous environmental pollution incident the country has ever seen."

I will post the Ministers response as soon as it is online.

Coveney Crticies Planning for Offshore Wind Farms

Cork South Central TD and Fine Gael Energy Spokesperson Simon Coveney accused the Government at being "all at sea" on the crucial issue of planning legislation for offshore wind projects.

"The planning process as it currently exists is entirely inadequate, for what are major projects to construct enormous turbines within clear sight of the Irish coastline, and the Government appears to have no plan to reform it. For example, the project which has been approved for construction at the Codling Bank off Bray Head consists of over 220 turbines, each of a height of 160m, 12km from the coastline. Each of these turbines will be 160m, almost three times the height of Liberty Hall.

"This project, like all others in Ireland, was approved under the Foreshore Act 1933, an outdated piece of legislation which allows the Minister to grant leases for construction in Irish coastal waters with no involvement by local communities or local authorities, and no right of appeal.

"The Government is all at sea on bringing amending legislation which would provide an urgently-needed proper planning process for these projects. When I asked the Tánaiste on 22nd May for an update on the Foreshore (Amendment) Bill she did not have a date for it coming before the House, and did not even know what Department had responsibility for it. When I asked her the same question in the Dáil today, she said that there has been absolutely no progress and the same confusion reigns.

"Offshore wind is an area in which Ireland has an incredible natural advantage, and the speedy development of these projects is crucial if we are going to be able to meet our emissions targets. However, the Minister granting licences willy-nilly - as he can do under the current legislation - is a recipe for building poor projects and creating deep bitterness and opposition in coastal communities all along the east coast. It is time for the Government to get its act together before this becomes a major issue among communities, and projects begin to experience serious delays.

"Unless there is an absolute guarantee from the Government before the summer break as to when the amending legislation will be brought, Fine Gael will be bringing its own proposals in the autumn."

Wind Energy is a recognized way of reducing our CO2 emissions yet our Government won't update the legislation needed for Ireland to reach its energy commitments!

Well done Simon for raising this issue!

Debate to be held on Hazardous Waste

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Deridre Clune, along with other Fine Gael Cork TD's have secured an emergency debate this afternoon on the emerging scandal involving the Government's attempt to cover up their plans to allow 500,000 tonnes of toxic waste to remain untreated in Cork Harbour.

"This is a serious scandal involving allegations that the Government ranked budget considerations above public health considerations. The allegation that Minister Gormley's Department was planning to allow hazardous waste, including the carcinogenic Chromium 6, to remain untreated in the centre of a highly populated area is an allegation that the Minister cannot be allowed to ignore.

"I will be asking the Government to explain the actions of his Department in this attempted cover-up and to set a timetable for the removal of this cauldron of toxic and carcinogenic substances.

"As leader of the Green Party, Minister Gormley needs to show that environmental protection is not yet another core Green Party value which has been sold out to Fianna Fáil in return for Ministerial Mercs and political perks."

The Department of the Environment have attempted to cover up its role in issuing instructions to cap, rather than remove, hazardous and potentially carcinogenic waste at the former Irish Steel Plant in Cork Harbour. This is a scandel that the EPA and Cork County Council were implicit in. Heads should roll

FG Stalwart Elected Ardmhéara (Lord Mayor) of Cork City

Fine Gael Cork South West LEA Councillor Brian Birmingham was elected mayor of Cork City Council on Monday night. I have known Brian since I joined Young Fine Gael way back in 2004. In a wide ranging speech he thanked former Lord Mayors and Councillors and all in attendence for the opportunity.

In his speech he raised the idea of Metropolitan Cork encompassing "Ballincollig, Blarney-Glanmire -Carrigtwohill - Midleton -Cobh- and Carrgaline" and that this area "is the driver of economic activity. It must increase this role dramatically creating wealth and well being for us all." This has raised a lot of discussion in the media as he called for a third local authority for this area.

He also made a number of announcements on the introduction of City Centre Bicycle Taxis, “Bus Friday” to pilot and target those not needing their cars for work, considering Bus /Taxi Lanes on a 7am/7pm basis, the Pedestrianisation of Patrick Street with access for Bus,Taxi and loading and a Lord Mayor's Cultural Access Programme. He also announced theme for the following year "It's Our City" which would " seeking a more active Civic society in engaging Corkonians in local affairs with new ideas on creating a greater feeling of belonging and a stronger sense of shared ownership, by all Cork people, across the various sections of the community"


In concluding he hoped that the Irish title "Ardmhéara" would come into greater usage.

We at Cork FG's Voice wish an excellent year To Brian as Ardmhéara and Elma as Lady Mayoress!

We would also like to congratulate Cllr. Patricia Gosch of Cork North Central LEA, on her election as Deputy Mayor

Full speech here

Buckley to Change Wards?

Another Fine Gael County Councillor is said to mulling over changing Electoral Wards over the recent boundary changes. Cllr. Patrick Buckley is thinking of moving from the Kanturk Electoral area to the Mallow Electoral Area due to the movement of Kincora, Nadd, Lyre, Roskeen and Gortmore into the Mallow Electoral Area, where a substantial amount of his support has come from.

While dispelling rumours that he wont run in 09 he said

“I have lost a fairly substantial chunk of my area into Mallow, such as Kincora, Nadd, Lyre, Roskeen and Gortmore. That’s about 1,250 votes in total and I was getting about 65% of those.”

O'Doherty won't run on 09

Liam O'Doherty a County Councillor for the Fermoy Electoral Area will not run in the Local Elections in 2009 he has announced.

The 37-year-old married father of three children, who range in age from four to 10, said he would use the summer to reflect on his role as a public representative. He is also a Dairy Farmer. However, he admitted it was unlikely he would seek re-election next June.


Cllr. O'Doherty is very popular on the council and it will be sad to lose a young face on the council, but best of luck to him for the future.

Stanton and Buttimer Call for Debates on Haulbowline Toxic Waste

In response to todays Irish Examiner front page story, Cork East TD David Stanton has called for a special debate in the Dáil to discuss the situation in Haulbowline.

"I have been raising the matter of the clean-up of Haulbowline in the Dáil for a number of years. I am very concerned now about information that is emerging about the presence of large amounts of highly carcinogenic substances, and the danger that this may pose to residents of Cobh and Cork Harbour.

"It is vitally important that the Minister come into the Dáil today and inform the public about the situation at Haulbowline and what the Government intends to do about it."

Meanwhile Cork South Central Senator Jerry Buttimer, has called for a debate in the Seanad in response to the news.

"Reports in today's media of a cover-up by the Government, the Environmental Protection Agency and Cork County Council of the treatment of around 500,000 tonnes of potentially deadly waste material from the Irish Steel site at Haulbowline, Co. Cork are beyond belief.

"Not only has the Government shown utter disregard for the environment by suggesting the capping of the lagoons where the waste material is held but to blatantly ignore the health implications of such a move for local resident is incomprehensible.

"I have called for a Seanad debate at the earliest convenience so that the extent of what is going on here can be determined. These lethal carcinogens must be removed from the area and disposed of with the utmost care and consideration. That the Greens in Government could have presided over this cover-up is reprehensible in the extreme. An explanation is needed immediately."

The Irish Examiner has broken a story that a cover-up involving Cork County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Environment has been ongoing over highly hazardous waste buried at what has been described as potentially “the largest and most extensive pollution incident in the history of the State”.

The most worrying part is this

The documents also reveal the waste includes highly toxic substances such as chromium 6 — the second most dangerous carcinogen — as well as hydrocarbons and other oil and metal byproducts. The cost of the operation at Haulbowline to date also suggests a full clean-up of the site could cost up to €300 million.

An official investigation, the findings of which have been seen by the Irish Examiner, has already found that the waste material is “likely” to be a “severe” health risk to people locally, such as the residents of Cobh and navy personnel based nearby, mainly because of toxic dust getting carried by the wind.

It also represents a huge risk to flora and fauna.

What has the ministers response been?

Environment Minister John Gormley last night insisted he remained committed to transforming the site from an environmental liability into an asset for the region. “My officials are finalising a report on the site, which will outline options for its future, which I hope to bring to government in the autumn. Work has been ongoing for the last five years to properly assess the site, so that an informed decision on its future can be made.

“In relation to the recent issues regarding sub-contractors on the site, the department, acting on best expert advice of the EPA, ordered the unauthorised work to stop, as there were serious concerns that the work being carried out in such a piecemeal fashion posed a significant environmental risk,” he said.

Full Story

Buttimer - Minister must intervene to save Cork School of Music

Cork South Central Senator Jerry Buttimer gave the following speech last night at the Cork School of Music Public Meeting organised by the Cork School of Music Parents Association.

"The Cork School of Music, which is a constituent college of the CIT, is celebrating 130 years of the provision of music and currently has more than 2,000 part-time primary and post-primary students as well as over 100 third and fourth level students. Concerns now arise about the future of the School as the CIT management has instructed the Cork School of Music to implement cuts of 2,000 teaching hours.

"Little more than a year ago the opening of the new school of music, which was one of three pilot public private partnership projects, was met with great fanfare. Many people campaigned for what is a magnificent facility, and its reputation, integrity and provision of service in terms of music reach far beyond Cork. The college has grown immensely over the years and the situation is now that a vibrant, active college, that has waiting lists for many of its courses, exists.

"The Cork School of Music management has recently confirmed to me that the result of the cutbacks will lead to:

* Lay-offs of temporary teachers
* No new harp enrolment
* No new wind enrolment
* 50% reduction in new piano enrolments
* 50% reduction in new violin enrolments
* 50% reduction in new viola enrolments
* Two junior choirs being cut
* Two musicianship classes being cut
* Current students not being offered second instrument tuition

"The School has a vital role to play in the cultural, historical and educational lives of the people of Cork. The result of these cutbacks, and the implications from the severe restriction of new student intake, will inevitably lead to the complete dismantling of music education at the School.

"It is a concern that in a changing economic environment and in a climate where we are reducing expenditure, we are taking a stance against creativity, arts, culture and music. A mere €140,000 is needed to save the School. I am appealing to the Minister not to proceed with the cuts and to make the necessary funds available. It does not augur well in a time of economic change if we impact negatively on education."

He is completely right. The CSM has been great for Cork and should be supported. Under the current cuts 1st and 2nd level students will not be allowed in enrol!

It is a disgrace.

Local Election Boundary Changes

The Irish Examiner are reporting boundary changes for the Local Elections in Cork City and County. The Overall effect of these is the following:

CITY:

South-East goes from six to seven seats.

South-West goes from five to six seats.

North-East falls from five to four seats.

North-West also falls from five to four.

No change in North Central and South Central.

COUNTY:

Kanturk falls from five to four seats.

Mallow goes from four to five seats.

Carrigaline falls from seven to six seats.

Macroom goes from three to four seats.

No changes in Bantry and Skibbereen electoral areas.

Will this change who we run in each area? Or the number of candidates?

Fine Gael Cllr Joe O’Callaghan, who represents the north-west ward, said the changes would have huge implications for the northside of the city.

“Cork is imbalanced in terms of population and economic activity, and this report highlights the need for increased and targeted investment in this part of the city,” he said.

More from the Examiner

The full changes are availible here

YFG Summer School!

This year's annual YFG Summer School will take place on the 11th, 12th & 13th of July in the beautiful medieval town of Carlingford, in Co. Louth.

With a whole array of great activities in this watersports mecca to complement our planned discussions & social events, all will take place under the impressionable backdrop of the Mourne Mts. on the scenic Cooley penninsula.

Contact Susie (susie(AT)finegael(DOT)com) in national office for more info.

Must now ask for time off!

Who else is going?

Coveney criticises Ryan

Cork South Central TD and FG Communications Spokesperson, Simon Coveney, critcised Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications failure to make any progress on next generation broadband after a year in the job.

Mr. Coveney pointed out that no work as been done since the Minister toke office on the issue of Broadband.

- "A Policy Paper is being prepared on Broadband and Next Generation Networks" - introductory brief for incoming Minister Eamon Ryan, 15th June 2007.
- "I propose to issue a draft policy paper shortly on Next Generation Broadband" - Minister Eamon Ryan, 29th May 2008.

Mr. Coveney continued crticisim of the Minsters actions

The only concrete action the Minister has taken in this area since taking office has been to convene a forum of international experts in February to debate the Department's policy paper. Since then he has repeatedly promised that the paper would be published 'shortly' but it has not appeared. In the meantime he has pointed to the growth in Ireland's broadband numbers and made excuses such as 'it is a matter for the private sector'.

Damien Mulley has caught the Department out on lying to Prime Time about our national broadband scheme. Damien also has a post about business response and what they want.

FG is calling on the Government to do the follwing in relation to this area:

1. Mandate the Department of Communications to undertake a comprehensive audit of all ducting under both public and private ownership throughout the country. Based on this audit, a detailed plan of where ducting, especially between the exchange and the cabinet but also at backhaul level, is most needed.

2. Enter negotiations with all private owners of ducting for the purposes of securing open access to infrastructure, in an effort to try to create a web of open-access ducting throughout the country.

3. Tender for private sector interest in managing all State-owned ducting and coordinate with the regulator on the opening of access to privately-owned ducting. The contract will also provide for the management of roll-out of new ducting where appropriate. Funding for this will be provided from the ICT budget within the NDP.

4. The State should support high-speed wireless connectivity to areas too remote to justify ducting and fibre connections.

5. Revise the terms of the contracts for provision of broadband to extremely remote areas under the National Broadband Scheme, to require that this connectivity be of a high-bandwidth.

6. Pass legislation to require ducting to be installed to the home in all new housing and apartment developments under new building standards regulations.

7. Pass legislation to require ducting to be laid as part of all new road developments and maintenance.

8. Ensure that all infrastructure relating to roll-out of next generation access – at all parts of the network – be subject to fast-track planning rules.

9. Invite tenders for provision of wholesale high-bandwidth access to state bodies throughout the country, such as schools, third-level institutions, hospitals and departmental buildings.

10. The connection of Next Generation Access to all schools and educational institutions needs immediate priority in government planning.

--
Links:
12 months in job and Minister has nothing done on next generation broadband – Coveney
Creating a Fibre Nation (PDF) - FG Policy

Welcome

This is a new project by Stephen Spillane and others involved (who will be named later!) with Fine Gael in Cork to have a voice that can be listened to by the Leadership, TD's, Senators, Councillors and prospective candidates!

The idea of this has come from ConservativeHome, LabourHome and LibDem Voice where grassroots have become opinion formers within the grassroots of the parties and the leadership also listen. While it would be great to do that on a national level, due to other commitments and other constraints we shall be confining oursleves mainly to Cork.

This is still a Work in Progress so bear with us!

Slán go Fóil!
Stephen

If you wish to help out by reporting on a particular area of Cork or policy area, get in contact with Stephen at spiller2(AT)gmail(DOT)com