Derry City Council’s Environmental Services Committee is to hold an emergency meeting later this week to discuss the revelations that radioactive waste was dumped on the council’s landfill site at Culmore Point more than 30 years ago.
Culmore Point.
Confidential government files from 1983, details of which were released on Friday last, revealed the secret took place between 1977 and 1983.
A memo, dated 5 December 1982, revealed 170 microcuries of solid radioactive waste had been buried at the local authority disposal site.
Environment Minister Mark Durkan has ordered the Environmental Agency to carry out an investigation into the revelations.
Friday’s emergency meeting had been called for by SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins and Sinn Fein Cllr Tony Hassan.
Cllr 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.
She 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 Hassan said residents of the area were demanding to know the full facts of “what went on” 30 years ago and what were the health implications today.
He added: “There needs to be full disclosure.
“I have been in contact with health officials at Derry City Council and I am calling for an emergency meeting of the Environmental Services Committee.”
Cllr Hassan concluded: “It also vitally important that residents in Strathfoyle and those living along the River Foyle in our neighbouring county of Donegal in areas such as Muff, Moville and Greencastle get the full facts of what has gone on here.”
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