REPLY

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Gormley):

Following extensive unauthorised works by sub-contractors my Department re-engaged consultants, White Young Green, to carry out an independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions on Haulbowline, including assessment of any health or environmental risks posed by the work, assessing quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves in the vicinity and ambient air monitoring.
White Young Green previously carried out an extensive intrusive site investigation in 2005 which indicated no evidence of any immediate threat to human health or the environment. Test results will be assessed against baseline data from the previous survey. The final report is to be delivered to my Department, today, 4 November, and a copy will be forwarded immediately to peer reviewers.

Both the White Young Green and the peer review reports will be published in the coming weeks once they have been assessed by my Department, and any recommendations arising from these reports will inform proposals to Government.