The North’s Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has ordered a report into the dumping of radioactive waste in Derry over 30 years ago.
Culmore Point.
Confidential government files from 1983, details of which were released on Friday, revealed the secret dumping of radioactive waste took place at Culmore Point between 1977 and 1983.
A memo, dated 5 December 1982, revealed 170 microcuries of solid radioactive waste had been buried at a local authority disposal site.
Mr Durkan’s moves follows a call by SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins who said answers “needed to be given immediately” on the the implications of the dumping as residents in the area were “extremely angry” and concerned.
Cllr Dobbins said: “Residents are extremely angry that this information has never been made public and I insist on their behalf that we are fully informed as to what was dumped and its risks.
“Although this occurred over 30 years ago, someone in a senior position now needs to step forward with explanations and open answers that outline the scale and implications of this activity.”
She added: “If there is snothing to hide there why was there all the secrecy?”
Cllr Dobbins said she was “extremely concerned” about the planned rejuvenation of the Culmore landfill site.
She added: “I hope that these revelations will not hinder the constellation and work already embarked upon and I will insist that local concerns that have been raised in the wake of the revelations will be answered.”
Cllr Dobbins concludedL “Council needs to ensure the health of its employees and the general public are not at risk.”
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