State ‘likely to be sued’ over Haulbowline dump

A LEADING environmental group has warned the Government will inevitably face court actions over the hazardous waste dump at the former Irish Steel site in Cork harbour.

Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) predicted medical claims will be lodged by locals on grounds the community’s health was put at risk when the steel plant was in operation. They warned that others are likely to sue the State for its failure to ensure toxic byproducts were disposed of properly.

The conclusion of its Toxic Island report, published yesterday, stated that the contractor, who was commissioned by the Department of the Environment (DOE) to clean up the site, could seek an action at the Commercial Court over the terms of the termination of his contract.