Toxic waste may stay on island forever

THE 500,000 tonnes of toxic waste dumped in Cork harbour may never be removed from Haulbowline Island — and instead could be just taped up with an environmental seal, according to Marine Minister Simon Coveney.

The Government has earmarked up to €40 million to clean the site, one of the most dangerous in the country, after the European Commission warned it would set fines unless the site was made safe.

However, Mr Coveney warned it “could be too dangerous” to dislodge the mountainous slag heaps left by Irish Steel and Irish Ispat — and instead they may just have to be made impermeable so they cannot lead to further contamination.