Flood defence doubt over toxin

THE future of a €35m flood relief scheme in Kilkenny City is in doubt following the discovery of a cancer-causing toxin in silt removed from the river bed in the past few weeks.

The highly-toxic substance, PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) was found in spoil from the river deposited on a green area used by children at Dukesmeadows, off the Bennettsbridge Road and at Ossory Bridge in Kilkenny City.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) met to discuss the future of the scheme last night and is to meet with a number of other health and environmental organisations, including the South Eastern Health Board, over the coming days.