Old Cork piggery rubble to be inspected after asbestos concern leads to cancelled GAA games

Politicians are to meet with officials of Cork County Council on Monday in relation to the site following concerns raised by local residents 

The Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke, said that a number of events — including a juvenile GAA game — were cancelled on Sunday because of local residents’s concerns.

Planning and environment enforcement teams will inspect rubble at a demolished building in Cork on Monday, after GAA games were cancelled during the weekend amid concerns by locals that it could contain asbestos.

The demolition of an old piggery building in Grenagh over the weekend led to the cancellation of GAA games in the neighbouring pitch on Sunday, while the local playground was also empty. 

Locals concerned that there could be asbestos in the building contacted local representatives in the area, who in turn made contact with Cork County Council.

Politicians are to meet with officials of Cork County Council on Monday in relation to the site. It is understood that the site was recently sold.

While the building was demolished, the rubble remained on the site on Sunday evening.

Asbestos is a substance which has been linked to the development of diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is often present in buildings constructed before 2000. The Health and Safety Authority has produced guidance on management of the substance.

It is understood that the Health and Safety Authority has been notified about concerns.

The Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, Colm Burke, said that a number of events — including a juvenile GAA game — were cancelled on Sunday because of local residents’s concerns.

He said: “I became aware of it on Saturday evening. It is an old piggery which is at the back of Grenagh, very close to the village.” 

Local meeting

It is located close to the playground and GAA pitch. Residents are expected to hold a meeting to highlight concerns about the demolition.

Councillor Liam Madden said it is hoped that any issues and concerns can be addressed in the coming days.

Mr Madden said: “My understanding is that nothing has been taken out of it yet, but unfortunately it is all demolished.” 

He acknowledged the concerns of locals, highlighting that the playground was unused on Sunday because of its proximity to the site.

He said that two cake sales for different groups in the village were postponed, and added: “The uncertainty needs to be taken out of this. People are very alarmed.” 

He added: "The site needs to be closed immediately, and nothing taken out of there under any circumstances, as it needs to be inspected. There are a lot of people with houses there and there is the school as well in a very strong community. If I was living there, I would be very concerned. There are a lot of unanswered questions.” 

Fianna Fáil’s Pádraig O’Sullivan said locals have concerns given the proximity of the site to the village, the GAA club, and playground.