merrion street

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, today chaired the first meeting of the government working group to oversee an application for a licence to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address legacy waste issues on Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour. The meeting took place at the Naval Service Headquarters in Haulbowline.

After the meeting Minister Coveney said “this licence application process is the first step in sorting out the significant waste problem that was left behind following the closure of the steelworks. This problem has gone on for too long. We need to find out what it will take to make the site safe and stable and then get the work done. I look forward to an open and transparent process involving public and stakeholders consultation to reassure people that we are responding in a comprehensive and environmentally appropriate way”.

The steering group comprises the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Defence and Public Expenditure and Reform will be chaired by Minister Coveney. The Office of Public Works (OPW), Cork County Council and the Port of Cork will also have a pivotal role on the steering group. The steering group was given a briefing by EPA representatives on licensing requirements and the steps involved.