Licence to turn toxic dump into park

The Environmental Protection Agency has signalled it will grant a waste licence, allowing a €40m conversion of a toxic waste dump in Cork harbour into a major recreation and amenity area.

The news was welcomed last night by Marine Minister Simon Coveney, who has taken on personal responsibility for the clean-up of waste produced by a former steel plant on Haulbowline Island.

The existence of this site was first made public by the Irish Examiner in June 2008.