A report by mining company Mogul on how it aims to rehabilitate an old toxic dump at Silvermines, Co Tipperary, has been presented to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Peter Gleeson reports.
A spokesman said yesterday the Department was having the report assessed by its consultants, and expected them to report back in early September.
"Once that assessment is complete we will be in a position to outline those conclusions to North Tipperary County Council and the EPA. We will, of course, continue to provide as much information as possible for local residents."
News of the report came as Independent MEP Ms Kathy Sinnott revealed she was to ask the European Commission to press the Government to rehabilitate the old toxic mine site.
The 150-acre tailings pond at Gortmore, a few miles from the village of Silvermines, has been described by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) as a perpetual risk to human and animal health and to the environment.
The pond, which contains traces of lead and other toxic substances associated with mining, has dried up since Mogul of Ireland ceased operations in Silvermines in 1982, resulting in intermittent blows of toxic dust onto surrounding farms.
Ms Sinnott said the local environmental group had come up with the best solution to render the site safe. This involved covering the site with an impermeable layer, on top of which would be a layer of rock and a covering of topsoil.
Ms Sinnott, a member of the European Parliament's environment and public health committee, said the Government had a responsibility to immediately provide the money to rehabilitate the pond, and then follow up by pursuing Mogul for the cost.
Mr Michael Leamy, chairman of the Gortmore Environmental Group, said residents did not want any decision taken on the rehabilitation without being consulted.
Mogul spokesman Mr Christian Schaffalitzky has said the company is committed to making the site safe.