Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has called on Environment Minister Edwin Poots to hold a public inquiry into the Mobuoy super dump.

The Foyle MLA was speaking after a meeting with NIEA officials where they outlined their plans for dealing with the toxic site. Martina Anderson said:

“I’m pleased to report that progress is being made and there are plans for clearing the site but I would warn people that given the sheer size of the site and the materials believed to be present in it, we are still looking at a long, long process.

“There are almost two million tonnes of illegal waste present and it is directly adjacent to the River Faughan, where much of the surrounding area gets its drinking water.

“So it’s crucial we approach the removal process with the utmost caution and care.

“The Environmental Agency have outlined to me their plans for dealing with the dump. I will be carefully assessing those, including the projected timelines and how they match up to the recommendations made in the Mills review into Mobuoy. 

“It’s vital we deal with the site as quickly and safely as possible with a robust remediation strategy. Lessons must be learned from the litany of mistakes surrounding it so that regulations and procedures are put in place to ensure it never happens again.

“To that end I reiterate my call to Minister Poots to hold a public inquiry into dumping at Mobuoy, not to assign blame but to better protect our countryside and waterways for future generations.”