McLellan criticises Haulbowline decision

Sinn Fein TD for Cork East, Sandra McLellan has criticised the Minister for Health’s decision not to proceed with a full investigation into the health risk posed by the Haulbowline dump.

Deputy McLellan said: ”The decision by the Minister for Health not to carry out a baseline health study in the Cork Harbour area appears to be one based primarily on financial considerations. The fears of the local community concerning the potential long-term affects of the toxic waste have not been addressed, and can not be addressed by a simple statistical analysis of the National Cancer Registry.

”The Chief Medical Officer’s response does not go far enough. We want assurances that the affect of this toxic dump will not have negative health implications for the local community in years to come. The only way to give those assurances is by completing a full investigation. I will continue to press the Government for funding to be made available to carry out this investigation.