Calls to Deal With Massive Illegal Asbestos Dump in Dublin

28 Jun 2024

Asbestos is a deadly material that's linked to serious conditions like asbestosis, mesothelioma and laryngeal cancer - hence the reason why stringent asbestos regulations exist in Ireland. However, despite this, a massive illegal dump of the material exists on a site between Moatview and Belcamp in North Dublin. 

Dublin City Council has been urged to clean up the problem, as the dump has been there for more than 20 years. Surface testing in 2020 found asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) at the location, and the need for urgent action was raised at the time.

Work Not Expect to Start Until Later This Year

Although it's an urgent matter, work to clear the dump (and build a wall around it) isn't expected to begin until later this year. Sinn Fein councillor Larry O'Toole expressed concern with regard to the welfare of local residents. He stated:

"What we're asking the council to do is to start at least taking away some of the stuff now to show goodwill to the residents here. Give them a little bit of hope and also that the Guards take action and [so as] not to have any more coming in.". 

The presence of the asbestos dump is having an extremely negative effect on the lives of residents in the area. The smoke caused by burning the material prevents people from having their windows open. Flies are also an associated problem. One resident said…

"In the summertime, there are flies - but not a normal amount. Everyone gets the odd fly in the house in the summer, but they're literally everywhere. You're sitting at your dinner, and they're landing on you constantly. It's horrible."

Another local spoke of her embarrassment at the obvious nature of the continually growing eyesore, which perhaps best highlights the scale of the issue. 

"If you come down this road here, out of your garden, you'll think it's just a hill - but it's not," she said. Underneath it is all toxic waste, domestic waste, and there's asbestos and all in there."

The Ongoing Threat Posed by Asbestos in Ireland 

Just because asbestos was banned in construction in the late 1990s doesn't mean that it's no longer an issue that needs to be addressed. News stories like this highlight the ongoing threat that the material continues to pose to Irish businesses and the wider public. 

To find out more about asbestos and occupational hygiene consultation services we offer at OHSS, visit us today at www.ohss.ie. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to speak to our team about anything relating to the control or management of asbestos, call us today on 01 6905907.

‹ BACK TO BLOG