Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the Government’s decision to set aside €40 million to clean up the former Ispat site on Haulbowline Island is a welcome development and PROVES the Government’s commitment to tackling the issue.
“Fine Gael in Opposition led the charge in pressing the Government of the day, Fianna Fáil and the Greens, to deal with what was essentially a toxic dump at Haulbowline. Now in Government, and despite the challenging economic situation, Fine Gael and Labour are committed to ensuring the clean-up of the site by signing off on a €40 million package.
“The marine ecosystem in the harbour has been adversely affected by toxic waste material in the area over the last number of years and I hope that the Cabinet’s signing off on this package signals the beginning of the end for the former Ispat site.
“Minister Coveney has taken the bull by the horns in pressing this issue at the Cabinet table and he is to be commended for that. I would encourage the working group, which is headed up by the Minister, to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency in attempting to find a speedy resolution to this issue and getting Haulbowline sorted out, once and for all.”