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.
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