Material at demolished Cork piggery dampened during hot spell to prevent asbestos spreading in wind

Cork County Council said air monitoring by asbestos specialists was ongoing at the site in Grenagh

Asbestos has been linked to the development of diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Air monitoring tests continue to be carried out at the site of a Cork piggery which was demolished over a month ago because of the presence of asbestos in the building.

The piggery in Grenagh was knocked down on April 13. Subsequent testing of materials at the site proved residents' fears that asbestos was present in the building.

As a result, material at the site is being dampened on a daily basis because of the continuing dry weather, to mitigate against wind-blown particles in the area.

Cork County Council also said: “Ongoing air monitoring by asbestos specialists both onsite and in the extended area, including at the nearby playground and GAA pitch. The results of this air monitoring continue to be below the limits of detection. This monitoring will continue to be repeated.” 

The measures are being taken because asbestos has been linked to the development of diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

It is now illegal to place asbestos or asbestos-containing products on the market, though it is often present in buildings constructed before the millennium.

Immediately following demolition of the piggery, locals' concerns led to the cancellation of GAA games on a neighbouring pitch. while the local playground was also empty.

Last month, residents were provided with an interim public health statement by the HSE South West’s department of public health, in relation to asbestos. It said while it “is not possible to determine with any certainty the level of exposure risk involved, there are key aspects about which we feel confident in giving public health reassurance based on published, evidence-based scientific opinion”.

It added the “risks of serious long-term health effects from a short-lived exposure are judged to be very low”.

The council said it was continuing to liaise with the HSE and Health and Safety Authority in relation to the site.

The council said residents are advised to call Cork County Council’s environment department at 021 453 2700 during office hours or the emergency out-of-hours number on 021 480 0048 if they have any concerns, and their message will be brought to the attention of the council’s environment team.