An independent assessment into environmental safety at the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Co Cork has concluded there are no unacceptable health risks to people who live or work there.
Defence Minister Willie O'Dea said he is pleased that the final report confirms there is no unacceptable risk to the people in the Naval Base and Dockyard either from airborne dust, vapours or emissions from the former Irish Steel site and East Tip sites.
The report also states that there is no unacceptable risk posed by dry deposition of dusts on shallow soils at the Naval Base or Naval Dockyard.
Minister O'Dea said the consultant's report contains six recommendations, mainly relating to ongoing monitoring of the site and specific projects to ensure that any potential risks arising in the future are maintained as low as reasonably possible.
The Minister said two of the recommendations regarding further testing have been implemented and the findings incorporated into this final report.
He said work has already commenced on implementing the remaining recommendations.
