Coveney promises to tackle toxic dump

A GOVERNMENT minister has pledged to take personal responsibility for a plan to tackle a toxic dump in Cork harbour.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney envisages it could take up to 18 months to help secure the controversial Haulbowline site.

Plans include capping the dump site — at the former steel-making plant — with concrete and building a retaining wall to prevent any seepage into the harbour.

Mr Coveney outlined his plans to make the dump safe to members of Cobh Town Council.

The state, he said, was facing the prospect of crippling fines from the European Commission if the site was not secured.

The minister, who has responsibility for agriculture, marine and food, has established a multi-agency group to organise the work and is intending to engage an international expert to advise on the best methods.

Members of the group are to visit the site on Friday and Mr Coveney said he would then discuss, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposals to acquiring a licence to work on the site.