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Developer allays Deerhunter asbestos fears

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

A DEVELOPER in south county Dublin has allayed fears that asbestos found on a site he intends to build on poses a threat to public health. Frank Gilmer has received planning permission from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to develop a 20,304sqm mixed-use commercial/residential scheme on the site of the former Deerhunter pub in Sallynoggin. Local councillor Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) stated recently that in her opinion it was “likely” that there was asbestos on the site. “Given the age of the commercial buildings that were demolished, it seems likely that there was asbestos on the site and it is fair to ask whether all asbestos has been removed and removed safely,” she said. Cllr Mitchell O’Connor said she understood that a consultancy firm had prepared a report on the site on behalf of the developer but it hadn’t yet been published. “In the interest of public safety, the findings of the report should be made available immediately and if necessary Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council should carry out its own investigation,” she added. Local resident Tonya Hanly, who lives directly across from the site on the Sallynoggin Road, said she was worried about the possible presence of asbestos on the site. “I don’t feel there has been adequate consultation with residents about the site,” she stated Speaking to Southside People, Frank Gilmer said he was aware that some local people were opposed to the development of the site. However, although he admitted that asbestos had been found on the site, he said the amount detected was “minimal” and he also offered to make the report available to anyone who wanted to read it. “We got an independent report carried out at the behest of the council,” he explained. “The council contacted us and we immediately did an independent study on site. “As far as I know, the amount they found was very small; minor pieces of asbestos that you would find in a normal house which would pose no danger to the public whatsoever. “On the back of that, the HSE did an inspection of the site and said there was nothing to report on and that there were no further issues with the site. “I have no difficulty in the report being made available to anybody. We hold numerous consultations with the residents’ committees down there and with local councillors.” A council spokesperson confirmed that the local authority conducted an independent investigation, which found that all demolished materials containing asbestos were subsequently removed safely off-site for disposal. “The council requested access to a report written by an asbestos specialist, commissioned by the developer of this site, and the council is satisfied that the report was examined thoroughly by our engineers in the interest of public health and safety. “Following our investigations there would appear to be no evidence to suggest any threat to the environment or to public health.”