Asbestos Dump Golf Club Awarded a €110k Sports Grant

1 Nov 2024

In a recent development, Kilkenny Golf Club - which is currently under investigation for unauthorised demolition of a house and improper asbestos disposal - has been awarded a €110,591 sports grant to develop a full practice hub facility. 

In 2016, the club demolished a house and its outbuildings without obtaining the necessary planning permissions. The debris included hazardous asbestos roofing and was buried in an adjacent field leased for farming purposes, leading Kilkenny County Council to classify the site as "hazardous" and "injurious to public health." 

A Major Risk to Public Health

Asbestos, once commonly used in construction for its fire-resistant properties, is now recognised for presenting severe health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Consequently, proper handling and disposal of asbestos are critical to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health.

The council granted retention permission for the demolition works earlier this year but refused permission to retain the dump. This decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála and a decision is still pending. The council is awaiting the appeal's conclusion before initiating enforcement action regarding the illegal dump and may also prosecute for the unauthorised demolition if the retention permission is overturned. 

Public Concern At the Award

The award of such a substantial sports grant to the club amid these unresolved environmental and legal issues has sparked public concern. The Department of Tourism and Sport stated that all allocations under the Community Sport Facilities Fund are provisional until specific terms and conditions are met, which vary depending on the grant's value and purpose. 

It’s a case that underscores the necessity for strict adherence to environmental regulations and the importance of thorough oversight in grant allocations.

Asbestos Remains a Major Killer In Ireland

Despite being banned from construction in the 1990s, asbestos remains a major killer in Ireland, with hundreds dying each year because of unnecessary exposure. So, if you’re planning some refurbishment or demolition works, it’s vital that you talk to an expert beforehand about whether an asbestos survey is required.

We’ve been protecting Ireland from the dangers of this killer material for over 20 years, so if you’d like to know more about how we’ve been doing so, take a look around our website www.ohss.ie. Alternatively, to speak to our team about anything relating to the control or management of asbestos, call us today on 01 6905907.

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