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The Cabinet is expected to be advised, by the
end of next month, the estimated cost of making safe a toxic
waste dump in Cork harbour.
It is expected the cost of the Haulbowline clean-up will
be borne by different Government departments.
Minister Simon Coveney, who has taken personal responsibility
for the former steel plant site, is preparing to finalise
plans for the proposed works. He is also making plans for
setting up a steering committee with responsibility for the
project, including making public a timeline.
The minister said that Cork County Council had put together
a project team, which would soon lodge a licence application
for site work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Mr Coveney said he would be informing cabinet colleges of
the estimated costs so they could be factored into budgets.
"We are trying to move this on as a priority. It is something
I hope the entire community of the harbour will welcome and
support as we go forward," he said.
Mr Coveney said he had already held discussions with public
representatives and local authorities in the area as well
as some residents’ groups "so as to make the process as inclusive
and transparent as possible. This engagement will be happening
on an on-going basis."
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