Plans to clean up one of Europe's biggest illegal dumps should be revealed to the public in the coming weeks, Environment Minister Andrew Muir has told a Derry MLA.
Sinn Fein MLA Pádraig Delargy has been told, following a written query to the Stormont minister, that a "draft remediation strategy" has now been developed to clean up the illegal dump at Mobouy Road on the outskirts of Derry.
The Minister said the plan will be put out to public consultation in "the spring", following a question submitted by Mr Delargy earlier this month.
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More than a million tonnes of waste was illegally dumped at the Mobuoy site before it shut in 2013.
Described as the biggest illegal dump in Europe, Mr Muir also revealed in February last year that the contaminated site could hold up the completion of the next phase of the A6 road upgrade.
In his response to the Sinn Fein MLA, the Stormont minister said: "A draft remediation strategy has been developed for the long-term remediation of the Mobuoy site, in line with an industry standard process using guidance that applies to Northern Ireland. The next step will be a public consultation. I have approved that officials proceed to public consultation and the intention is to launch the consultation in Spring."
He added: "In the meantime, the NIEA continues to implement a comprehensive Environmental Monitoring Programme (EMP) at the site. This includes site and riverbank inspections, surface water and groundwater monitoring, together with daily laboratory testing of water quality at the NI Water drinking water abstraction point."
In a statement issued following Mr Muir's reply, Padraig Delargy said: "This site has had a deeply damaging impact on both the environment and the health of the surrounding community, particularly due to waste leaking into the River Faughan.
"It’s welcome that the minister has stated work is progressing in monitoring the site, his department is pursuing a criminal case against the former operators, and it is also planning for remediation.
"In addition, we are eager to see the final development of the new road infrastructure in the north west. This will improve connectivity to major routes and ease traffic flow for those living in, visiting and travelling through the city and beyond."
He continued: "Sinn Féin looks forward to the upcoming public consultation on the next steps for this site, expected to launch this spring, and I urge everyone to take part and make their voices heard.
"While the minister has assured that the riverbank and water quality are being closely monitored, I will continue to engage with the department and the minister on this issue."
The Foyle MLA added: "The people of Derry deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment — not one threatened by illegal dumping and environmental neglect."
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