Coveney: Extra funds to clean up toxic dump will be sought if necessary

The minister responsible for cleaning up a toxic dump in Cork harbour has promised to look for more money if the project costs in excess of the €40m already set aside by the Government.

Simon Coveney, the marine minister, made the pledge yesterday as he addressed Cork County Council members ahead of the clean-up, which will get under way at Haulbowline island in the middle of April.

Contractors will move into the site adjacent to the former Irish Steel/Irish Ispat plant to drill 21 bore holes in the illegal dump, which will allow them test for the presence of hazardous waste.