EC direct clean-up of Cork’s Haulbowline landfill under threat of court action

Mary O Leary Sean Kelly and Orlaith McCarthy

Sean Kelly MEP can confirm that the European Commission is to direct Irish authorities to take decisive action on the Haulbowline landfill within a three month timeframe. “At today’s hearing of the Cork petition, a Commission official agreed with our demand for action on Haulbowline. Importantly, if no action results from their instruction – the matter will be referred onwards for court proceedings,” the Ireland South MEP said.

The petition, signed by over 5,500 signatures, was presented by Mr Kelly in conjunction with Cork Harbour Health pressure group. It calls for immediate action regarding the failed implementation of EU laws with regard to the Cobh site. The landfill has continued to operate unlicensed for over 10 years despite a previous European Court of Justice ruling against it.

Locals also fear for their health due to the emission of carcinogenic toxins from the dump according to Cobh resident, Orlaith McCarthy: “Cobh has one of the highest cancer black spots in Ireland and we believe that a comprehensive baseline health study needs to be conducted in order to prove or disprove the link between leeching toxins and chemicals from the Haulbowline site and the high cancer rates.”

Another Cork resident, Mary O Leary also questioned the usage of €50 million on the Haulbowline issue by the previous government as she says she has found no beneficial evidence that could justify the expenditure making it a wasted resource that could have made a remarkable difference to the area.

Mr Kelly welcomed the decision at today’s hearing: “It is about time the people of Cobh were listened to. Not only do we have serious health concerns about the landfill, but it is also having a negative impact on the local economy and environment. The Commission today validated our case by agreeing that the system has so far failed the people of Cobh and stating that action will be taken and within three months. If the authority, which will be named in the coming days, fails to address the Haulbowline issue, the Commission will refer the matter to the European Court of Justice. We will continue to work with the people of Cobh in ensuring these statements come to fruition.”