Cargo dust from port clogged Pfizer filters

The Port of Cork has admitted it was involved in a serious incident last year, when dust from cargo being unloaded in Ringaskiddy clogged the air filters of a major pharmaceutical plant.

The revelation came at a Bord Pleanála oral hearing during cross-examination of port officials by objectors to its plans for a €100m-plus upgrade of its cargo-handling facilities at Ringaskiddy.

Concern expressed by local residents over dust emissions prompted Cork Harbour Environmental Protection Association (CHEPA) member Bob McLaughlin to reveal three pictures he took on February 21 last year. They showed significant amounts of dust being spread into the atmosphere while a ship was being unloaded.