Haulbowline Island Remediation Project (Archive)
Cork County Council has been appointed as Agent for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to oversee the regularisation of the East Tip on Haulbowline in order to fulfil the State's obligations under the Waste Framework Directive and address the related shortcomings identified in the Letter of Formal Notice issued in September 2010 [C(2010)6536].
Haulbowline Island was the location of Ireland's only steelworks which operated on the Island between 1939 and 2001. Waste from the steel production process was deposited on the Spit Bank, a shallow sand spit extending eastwards from the Naval Dockyard, from the early 1960's. This area of reclaimed foreshore became known as the East Tip. In July 2011 Cork County Council was requested to progress the regularisation of the site by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine which entailed the preparation of both a waste licence and planning application.
The design of the remedial solution for the East Tip and the preparation of the various application documents was predicated on the findings of the Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA) - it's function being the quantification of risk to human health and the environment posed by the site and the identification of the remedial solution pertinent to the mitigation of those risks. In summary the DQRA concluded that:
- No risks to the wider community now or in long term were identified; and
- There is no evidence to suggest actual pollution of Cork Harbour waters is occurring to the extent that WQSs are being exceeded.
A planning application for the remediation of the East Tip and its transformation into a public recreational amenity was submitted to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) on 30th October 2013 and the associated waste licence application was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 14th November 2013. An oral hearing was held by ABP on March 19th 2014 and planning granted on May 1st 2014. A waste licence was subsequently granted on 23rd July.
The process to procure contractors to undertake the remediation works and develop the public recreational amenity commenced in December 2015 and the Letter of Intent issued to the preferred tenderer in February 2017. The Latest News section of this website provides an outline of the various project milestones.
As an all-Island approach has been adopted in terms of addressing the steelworks legacy a risk assessment of the former steelworks has been completed and a planning application is currently being prepared which will facilitate the remediation of this site. If you have any queries in relation to the Haulbowline Island Remediation Project please contact the Customer Centre on (021) 4285517.
17th July 2021
Press Release
The Haulbowline Island Recreational Amenity in the heart of Cork Harbour was officially opened today, Saturday 17th July, by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, Minister for Defence Simon Coveney and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath.
In the largest project of its kind to date in Ireland, the Haulbowline Remediation by Cork County Council has transformed the former East Tip site into a 22-acre People’s Park in the middle of Cork Harbour.
Haulbowline, home to the headquarters of the Irish Naval Service, was also formerly the location of Ireland’s only steelworks from 1939 until its closure in 2001. 650,000 cubic metres of by-products from the steel production was deposited here over a 40-year period.
The extensive remediation of the site saw the delivery onto the island of over 15,000 HGV loads of material, 47,000 tonnes of rock armour material to protect the shoreline, 180,000 tonnes of subsoil and 37,000 tonnes of topsoil, transforming the site into the scenic landscaped recreational amenity it is today.
Complete with 4kms of fully accessible pathways, a 1 km jogging circuit, playing pitches and seating areas that lend themselves to remarkable views of the harbour and wildlife observation, the island has hundreds of native tree mixes and plants to promote biodiversity.
Speaking at the opening Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, “The People’s Park Haulbowline is a pearl among a string of initiatives which do justice to the second-largest harbour in the world.”
The Taoiseach added, “The development of the harbour as a tourist amenity will provide immense dividends, in terms of employment and leisure, to both the local community and visitors from far and wide.”
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, congratulated the project team, saying, “The remediation of the East Tip was always going to be challenging. Cork County Council, with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including local residents, have risen to that challenge with phenomenal success. The multi-award-winning project is widely regarded as a model of best practice, and the result today is a great amenity for local communities and a valuable asset for the entire Cork Harbour region.”
Minister for Defence Simon Coveney added that “Today, marks a real turning point in the story of the Island's remediation to an area of real civic worth to the Community and also as a suitable home to our Naval service.”
Minister Coveney concluded by thanking in particular the officials of Cork County Council and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine for their successful stewardship of this development developed at a cost of some €25m.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said, “The opening today has been a long time in the making and I want to acknowledge all the hard work involved in delivering this valuable amenity which has already proven to be so popular since it opened to the public. This Park is another step towards the fulfilment of the immense potential of the harbour area as a tourist and amenity hub, and will complement the tourist attractions such as Spike Island and at Camden Fort Meagher.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, commented, “A huge undertaking, this remediation project is of national and international importance. Its remarkable success clearly demonstrates the importance of collaboration and public engagement. Cork County Council has received great support throughout the project from stakeholders and residents and with that Haulbowline East Tip has been completely transformed from a disused wasteland into a remarkable asset for the Cork Harbour Economy.”
14th December 2018
Press Release
Minister Creed visits Haulbowline Island to Mark the Conclusion of the East Tip Remediation Works.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., joined by Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy and Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey, has visited Haulbowline Island to mark the substantial completion of the remediation of the former East Tip.
20th December 2017
Press Release
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, visited the East Tip works site at Haulbowline Island. The Minister’s visit follows the signing in July 2017 of the contract to commence an extensive remediation of the large East Tip waste deposit site as the main focus of the Haulbowline Island remediation project.
Creed Inspects Remediation Works on Haulbowline Island in Cork Harbour (Press Release)
8th January 2016
Press Release
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney T.D., announced details of the timetable for a two and a half year programme of core remediation works at Haulbowline Island.
17th July 2021
Official Opening of Haulbowline Island Recreational Amenity
The Haulbowline Island Recreational Amenity in the heart of Cork Harbour was officially opened today, Saturday 17th July, by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, Minister for Defence Simon Coveney and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath.
15th January 2021
The Haulbowline Island Recreational Amenity was opened to the public today.
7th November 2020
The Haulbowline East Tip Remediation Project has won the 2020 ICE (Irish Construction Excellence Award in the Civil Engineering Category. The award was presented to P.J. Hegarty & Sons (the project’s contractor).
1st October 2020
The Haulbowline East Tip Remediation Project has won the 2020 ACEI (Association of Consulting Engineers Ireland) Engineering Excellence Award in the Civil Engineering Category. The award was presented to RPS (the project’s consultant).
3rd June 2020
Wildflowers in bloom at the Haulbowline Recreational Amenity.
18th November 2019
The Remediation of the East Tip on Haulbowline Island has been voted Engineering Project of the Year for 2019 in the flagship category at the 10th annual Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards. The Project was also awarded the ‘Local Authority Engineering Initiative Award’, jointly won with Cork City Council, Keating and Arup for the Mary Elmes Bridge project. The prestigious win has been attributed in large part to the continued support from the people of Cork for the remediation project. The Engineering Project of the Year category is voted for by a panel of judges and the public.
14th October 2019
The shortlist for Engineers Ireland Project of the Year Award was announced today and this project features – we’re also shortlisted for the Local Authority Engineering Initiative Award. The following link provides a synopsis of the project, drone footage of the works from start to completion and also directs you to the voting page: engineersireland.ie.
25th April 2019
Works on the public access road to the Haulbowline Recreational Amenity nearing completion.
22nd March 2019
Works on the public access road to the Haulbowline Recreational Amenity progressing.
7th March 2019
Park looking magnificent in Spring sunshine.
14th February 2019
Works on the public access road to the Haulbowline Recreational Amenity progressing.
8th January 2019
Works on the public access road to the Haulbowline Recreational Amenity commence.
14th December 2018
Today marked an important day in the history of Haulbowine Island. Minister Creed, County Mayor Cllr. Patrick Gerard Murphy and Chief Executive Tim Lucey were all present to mark the substantial completion of remediation works and the amazing transformation of the site into a public recreational area which it is envisaged will open to the public in the summer of 2019. On time and budget this is a project that Cork County Council is proud to have been part of.
31st October 2018
Fantastic drone footage showing latest landscaping works on the Haulbowline Island Remediation Project.
19th October 2018
The first green shoots have appeared.
5th October 2018
Stunning drone Footage showing the almost complete landscaping works which give an idea of what this fantastic park will look like on completion.
2nd October 2018
Grass seed being sown on site.
12th September 2018
Mass importation of soil to the site complete. Many thanks to the Navy, local residents, DePuy Synthes and all other local stakeholders for their co-operation and assistance over the last few months.
10th September 2018
Construction of network of footpaths within recreational amenity on-going.
30th August 2018
Stunning drone footage of remediation works on Haulbowline Island. Lining works complete, rock armour complete and import of soil well advanced. Look back at footage from 9th February to see how far the project has progressed over the last 6 months.
29th August 2018
Another significant milestone reached on the project today with the installation of the final panel of liner. Commodore Michael Malone, Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, and some of his colleagues were on site to review works with Cork County Council's Project Manager. Many thanks to the Naval Service for all their cooperation, assistance and forbearance to date.
The site team s for a photograph to mark the occasion. Well done to all involved on a great job to date.
17th August 2018
Final touches being put to rock armour revetment.
30th July 2018
Great progress on project over the last month.
June 22th 2018
Site visit by colleagues from Kildare County Council who are about to embark on a project to remediate Kerdiffstown landfill. Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh.
June 15th 2018
Significant milestone reached on the project today with completion of the PES and rock armour trenches. Well done to all involved.
May 25th 2018
Great progress being made on construction of public recreational amenity on Haulbowline Island. On schedule for December 2018 completion.
11th May 2018
Access road lined
16th April 2018
Installation of rock armour progressing
29th March 2018
Access road to Naval Dockyard re-opened.
28th February 2018
Site covered in a blanket of snow today.
13th February 2018
Changes to the landform clearly visible already.
9th February 2018
Drone footage of the on-going construction works.
22nd January 2018
Cork County Council provided input on the first environmental expertise exchange financed through the TAIEX-EIR Peer 2 Peer tool. Following the request of Romanian authorities, the Commission identified Irish experts to advise their Romanian counterparts on how to strategically approach and manage the closure of landfills.
19th January 2018
Works progressing on construction of the public amenity.
22nd December 2017
Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation works will cease today with remediation activities recommencing on 3rd January 2018. Construction of the Perimeter Engineered Structure (PES) on the foreshore will commence in early January 2018. The PES construction may include works during the evening period, in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval.
20th December 2017
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, visited the East Tip works site at Haulbowline Island. The Minister’s visit follows the signing in July 2017 of the contract to commence an extensive remediation of the large East Tip waste deposit site as the main focus of the Haulbowline Island remediation project. Click here for statement.
12th December 2017
Slag processing commences on site.
20th November 2017
Installation of construction hoarding along the western perimeter of the site.
6th November 2017
Concrete medians placed on access road from bridge to site to separate naval service traffic from works.
19th October 2017
Installation of silt curtain trial panel on southern foreshore of the Island.
17th October 2017
Access road upgrade works on Haulbowline Island included the demolition of a reinforced concrete encased steel chute encroaching on the northern side of the new road.
5th October 2017
Field trial being undertaken by Contractor on Haulbowline Island.
7th September 2017 – EPA Waste Licence - Commencement of Licensed Activities Notification Issued to EPA
Notification issued by Cork County Council (acting as agent for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to advise the EPA that works are scheduled to commence on the East Tip Remediation Project.
30th August 2017 – Site Compound Establishment
Works commence on establishing the site compound on Haulbowline Island to be used for the duration of the Construction Phase of the East Tip Remediation Project.
8th August 2017 – Contract Commencement and Contractor’s Detailed Design Phase
Contract commencement with PJ Hegarty & Sons/EMCC JV taking access of site, commencing the Contractor’s Detailed Design Phase and procurement of Subcontractor’s for the East Tip Remediation Project.
10th July 2017
Contract signed with PJ Hegarty & Sons/EMCC JV for Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project, Cork Harbour, Ireland.
Media Release: Click here
L-R Back - Sean Carrigy Director PJ Hegerty and Sons, Deputy Chief Executive Declan Daly Cork County Council,
Front- The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Declan Hurley, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Micheal Creed TD, James Fogarty Cork County Council Divisional Manager (North)
7th July 2017
Letter of Acceptance issues to PJ Hegarty & Sons/EMCC JV for Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project, Cork Harbour, Ireland.
30th May 2017
Extended deadline for submission of responses to Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) published for Works Contract for the Remediation of the Former Steelworks site, Haulbowline Island, Cork Harbour, Ireland.
30th May 2017
Deadline for submission of tenders for the Provision of Independent Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) Services for the East Tip Remediation Project.
8th May 2017
Tender notice for Provision of Independent Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) Services for East Tip Remediation Project published on etenders. The CQA Consultant shall be responsible for independently validating the construction quality assurance of the Perimeter Engineered Solution (PES), the impermeable capping system and the associated specified engineering works including surface water management structures at the East Tip, Haulbowline Island, Co Cork, Ireland.
8th March 2017
Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) published for Works Contract for the Remediation of the Former Steelworks site, Haulbowline Island, Cork Harbour, Ireland. Questionnaires can be viewed at, and downloaded from, www.etenders.gov.ie. Deadline for submission of SAQ is 12:00 on Wednesday 3rd May 2017.
8th February 2017
Letter of Intent issues in relation to Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project, Cork Harbour, Ireland. Standstill period ends at midnight 23rd February.
11th January 2017
Deadline for submission of tenders for Remediation Refinement Site Investigation at the Former Steelworks site Haulbowline Island, Co. Cork, Ireland.
1st December 2016
Site investigation tender notice for Remediation Refinement Site Investigation at the Former Steelworks site Haulbowline Island, Co, Cork, Ireland published on eTenders (www.etenders.gov.ie). Deadline for submissions of tenders is 12:00 on Wednesday 11th January 2017.
17th November 2016
RPS Consulting engineers awarded call-off contract under Single-operator Framework: Lot 2 - Client Teams to prepare and submit a planning application to facilitate the remediation of the former steelworks site on Haulbowline Island. It is envisaged that a planning application will be submitted in Q2 of 2017.
10th October 2016
Tender submissions received for Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project, Cork Harbour, Ireland issued to shortlisted contractors. Evaluation of submissions on-going.
9th September 2016
Contract for Deconstruction, Dismantling and Site Preparation works complete.
18th August 2016
Contractor mobilises for Deconstruction, Dismantling and Site Preparation works.
26th July 2016
Tender notice for Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project, Cork Harbour, Ireland published on etender. Tender relates to all permanent and temporary works associated with the design and construction of the Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project. Deadline for submission of tenders is 12:00 on 10th October.
16th June 2016
Contract signed for Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project - Contract for Deconstruction, Dismantling and Site Preparation.
5th May 2016
Works commence on replacement of Naval Dockyard utilities currently located on the East Tip . These enabling works are necessary to facilitate the main remediation contract.
4th May 2016
Works commence on establishment of CCC project team site compound. Due to be completed before end May.
15th April 2016
Deadline for receipt of tenders for Works Contract for the remediation of East Tip Access Road.
21st March 2016
Invitation to tender (ITT) published for Works Contract for the remediation of East Tip Access Road. These works are being call off under the Cork County Council's Framework Agreement for Road Restoration, Road Re-surfacing and Ancillary Works 2015.
16th March 2016
Works completed on installation of security fencing at interface between Naval Dockyard and the East Tip.
11th March 2016
Closing date for submission of tenders for Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project - Contract for Deconstruction, Dismantling and Site Preparation.
11th February 2016
Works commence works on the installation of the security fencing at the East Tip.
10th February 2016
Closing date for submission of completed Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) for Works Contract for the remediation of the East Tip site at Haulbowline Island, Cork Harbour, Ireland.
5th February 2016
Invitation to tender (ITT) published for Haulbowline Island East Tip Remediation Project - Contract for Deconstruction, Dismantling and Site Preparation. Tender documents can be viewed at, and downloaded from, www.etenders.gov.ie.
5th February 2016
Contract signed for Supply and Installation of Security Fencing at East Tip, Haulbowline Island, Co. Cork. This contract will see the erection of a security fence between the East Tip and the Naval Dockyard and is required ahead of the commencement of works on the East Tip.
8th January 2016
At a meeting of the Haulbowline Remediation Project Stakeholders group the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney T.D., announced details of the timetable for a two and a half year programme of core remediation works at Haulbowline Island which will see the remediation of the Island completed by mid 2018. Present were representatives of Cork County Council, DAFM, Port of Cork, Naval Service, IMERC and CHASE.
18th December 2015
Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) published for Works Contract for the remediation of the East Tip site at Haulbowline Island, Cork Harbour, Ireland. This tender relates to the construction of the Perimeter Engineered Structure (PES), as set down in the planning permission and waste licence, and the processing of the slag material to prepare the subcap profile. Questionnaires can be viewed at, and downloaded from,, www.etenders.gov.ie.
16th December 2015
Tender documents for Supply and Installation of Security Fencing at East Tip, Haulbowline Island, Co. Cork published on www.etenders.gov.ie. This contract will see the erection of a security fence between the East Tip and the Naval Dockyard and is required ahead of the commencement of works on the East Tip.
13th November 2015
Contract for Multi-disciplinary Consulting Engineering and Design Services to Deliver the PES, engineered capping, site surface drainage system, access road, landscaping and ancillary site works at Haulbowline Island, County Cork, Ireland awarded to RPS Consulting Engineers.
25th September 2015
Contract for Multi-disciplinary Consulting Engineering and Design Services to Deliver the Sub-Cap Site Profile in Preparation for Landfill Cap and PES Construction at the East Tip, Haulbowline Island, County Cork, Ireland awarded to RPS Consulting Engineers.
24th September 2015
Single-operator Framework: Lot 2 - Client Teams established.
24th July 2015
Single-operator Framework: Lot 1 - Site Preparation Design and Advisory Teams established.
21st July 2015
Site investigations on the foreshore completed. Geotechnical testing on-going.
9th July 2015
Works completed on access road to Haulbowline Island.
12th June 2015
Representatives of Cork County Council's Project Team and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government met with the European Commission at the offices of the Compliance Promotion, Governance & Legal Issues Unit in Brussels to appraise them of progress to date and provide an update on estimated timelines.
4th June 2015
Wills Bros Ltd. Civil Engineering Contractors commence works on the remediation of the access road to Haulbowline Island.
4th June 2015
Minister Coveney announces additional funding for Haulbowline Island Remediation Project.
11th May 2015
Geotechnical site investigations on the foreshore at the East Tip on Haulbowline Island commence with the first phase involving the mobilisation of the temporary works contractor and the drilling crews. The results of these investigations will inform the detailed design of the remedial solution.
1st May 2015
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney, T.D. officially re-opened the newly remediated Haulbowline Island Bridges at Cork Harbour. The bridges have undergone extensive repairs and upgrades as part of the early preparatory phase of the Haulbowline Island Remediation Project. The project is set to transform the Island through the creation of a public amenity and, when fully completed, will provide a potential future development location for the Irish Naval Service, which has its base on the Island. Reopening of the bridges, which represents the sole land based infrastructural access point to the island, is a vital first step in the remediation project, providing safe and efficient access for the considerable traffic expected on the bridges during the remediation phase.
29th April 2015
Works commence on the revised road layout on Haulbowline Island to facilitate the free flow of remediation related traffic to the East Tip.
1st April 2015
Invitations to tender (ITT) issued to Contractors on the Framework Agreement for Road Restoration, Road Re-surfacing and Ancillary Works 2014. Deadline for receipt of tenders is 24th April 2015. It is a requirement under planning that these works are completed ahead of remedial works commencing on the East Tip.
18th March 2015
Slit trenching commenced on the access road to Haulbowline Island to inform road upgrade design. Works completed on 28th March.
6th March 2015
Invitations to tender (ITT) issued to Consultants shortlisted in relation to the Multi-operator Framework: Lot 1 - Site Preparation Design and Advisory Teams (see 11th December). Deadline for receipt of tenders is 16th April 2015.
27th February 2015
Invitations to tender (ITT) issued to Consultants shortlisted in relation to the Multi-operator Framework: Lot 2 - Client Teams (see 11th December). Deadline for receipt of tenders is 9th April 2015.
13th February 2015
Quotations sought for the second phase of works (the bridge being the first phase) which will provide unimpeded access by the remediation contractor to the works area. The deadline for receipt of quotations is 3rd March 2015.
2nd February 2015
Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) testing completed on access road East Tip to facilitate detailed design remedial works.
26th January 2015
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey undertaken on access road to the East Tip to identify extend and location of underground services.
11th December 2014
Suitability questionnaires pertaining to the establishment of a Multi-Operator Framework Agreement for: Lot 1 - Site Preparation Design and Advisory Teams and Lot 2 - Client Teams published on etenders. Deadline for submissions is 14th January 2015.
9th December 2014
Tender for Geotechnical Site Investigations on the Foreshore at the East Tip on Haulbowline Island published on etenders. Site visit for interested parties scheduled for Monday 22nd December. Deadline for submissions is 16th January 2015.
14th November 2014
PIN for Multi-disciplinary Consulting Engineering and Design services pertaining to the remediation and development of Haulbowline Island published on etenders.
23rd July 2014
Waste licence issued by the EPA for the East Tip (www.epa.ie)
9th July 2014
Representatives of Cork County Council's Project Team and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government met with the European Commission at the offices of the Compliance Promotion, Governance & Legal Issues Unit in Brussels to appraise them of progress to date and provide an update on estimated timelines.
19th June 2014
EPA issue proposed decision in respect of the East Tip (www.epa.ie)
13th June 2014
Meeting of the Haulbowline Island Consultation Group in County Hall at which Minister Coveney updated members on progress to date and the vision for the Island. Present were officials from Cork County Council, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Naval Service and CHASE.
12th May 2014
Contract signed with L&M Keating for the remediation of Haulbowline Bridges.
1st May 2014
An Bord Pleanála approve the proposed remediation of the East Tip, Haulbowline Island.
11th April 2014
Arup selected to provide multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy services for the Preparation of a Targeted Intrusive Investigation and Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA) to support Detailed Design of the Remedial Solution for the former steelworks on Haulbowline Island.
19th March 2014
An Bord Pleanála held Oral Hearing into the planning application.
16th January 2014
Tender briefs for the Preparation of a Targeted Intrusive Investigation and Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA) to support Detailed Design of the Remedial Solution for the former steelworks on Haulbowline Island circulated to the 5 no. operators under the framework agreement for multi-disciplinary environmental consultant and design services in relation to waste licensing and remediation/reclamation projects in County Cork (Lot 2). Deadline for submission of tenders is 12:00 on Thursday 30th January 2014.
14th November 2013
Waste licence application submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency.
12th November 2013
Site notices pertaining to waste licence application erected.
11th November 2013
Notification of the waste licence application published in The Examiner.
30th October 2013
Planning application submitted to An Bord Pleanala. Permission is being sought to remediate the East Tip and transform it into a public recreational amenity.
25th October 2013
Notification of the planning application published in The Examiner. Site notices also erected.
15th October 2013
Haulbowline Island and the adjacent lands which will be the subject of the planning application are transferred into the ownership of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
12th September 2013
Meeting of the Haulbowline Island Consultation Group at which Minister Coveney appraised members of matters pertaining to the issue of site ownership. The Minister has instructed that the Island of Haulbowline and the adjacent lands which will be the subject of the planning application are transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the duration of the remediation works. Present were Mr David Stanton TD and officials from Cork County Council, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Defence, Naval Service, Port of Cork and the Maritime College.
22nd March 2013
Cork County Council Project Team provided an update to Steering Group members in County Hall. Present were the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Simon Coveney TD, Mr David Stanton TD and representatives of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Defence, CHASE and the Maritime College.
13th February 2013
Cork County Council, on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, have published Prior Information Notices for consultancy and contracting services pertaining to the repair of the bridge at Haulbowline Island, Co. Cork. The full text of these notices and instructions on registering your expression of interest are available on etenders.ie.
In summary, an inspection of the bridge at Haulbowline Island has found the half joints to be in poor condition with cracking and spalling observed at each one. A detailed material investigation has thus commenced with results expected to be available by the end of April 2013. Should the results of this investigation deem it necessary, emergency repair works will be undertaken and Cork County Council will procure the services of consulting engineers and contractors with expertise pertaining to similar type bridges under the provisions of Articles 31.1(c) of Council Directive 2004/18/EC.
31st January 2013
Third and final public information evening held in Cobh at which the project team gave a presentation outlining project progress, the design solution and target submission dates for planning, waste licence and foreshore licence applications. Following the presentation those present were afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the panel.
28th January 2013
Council Members for the Midleton and Carrigaline Areas appraised of project progress.
18th January 2013
Cork County Council announce the date of the third and final public information evening that will be held in the Commodore Hotel, Cobh at 6:30pm on Thursday 31st January. A number of presentations on the proposed design solution will be made by the Project Team who will then be available to discuss the project, record feedback and answer queries that people may have. Free transport will be provided for residents of Ringaskiddy with a bus leaving the Community Centre at 6pm, returning after the meeting.
16th January 2013
Site investigations on foreshore completed.
14th January 2013
Investigations to confirm the lateral extent of the waste commence on the foreshore at the East Tip under a licence granted from the foreshore unit of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
30th November 2012
Representatives of Cork County Council's Project Team and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government met with the European Commission at the offices of the Compliance Promotion, Governance & Legal Issues Unit in Brussels to appraise them of progress to date and provide an update on estimated timelines.
6th November 2012
Public information evening organised for Monday 19th November in Ringaskiddy. The evening will follow the same format as that which took place in Cobh on 11th October and the contents of the presentations will be similar.
11th October 2012
Project Team give presentation at public information evening in the Commodore Hotel, Cobh. Following presentations members of the public were given an opportunity to ask questions of the panel.
27th September 2012
Public information evening organised for Thursday 11th October in Cobh.
21st September 2012
Presentation on project progress given to Members at the Council's Development Committee meeting.
12th September 2012
RPS Group Ltd. selected to provide multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy services for the Preparation of an Appropriate Assessment Screening Statement and, if required, completion of an Appropriate Assessment and associated Natura Impact Statement for the East Tip, Haulbowline Island, Co. Cork.
29th August 2012
RPS Group Ltd. selected to provide multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy services for the Preparation of an Outline Design Solution and Foreshore Licence Application for the East Tip, Haulbowline Island, Co. Cork.
15th August 2012
Tender briefs for the Preparation of an Appropriate Assessment Screening Statement and, if required, completion of an Appropriate Assessment and associated Natura Impact Statement circulated to the 5 no. operators under the framework agreement for multi-disciplinary environmental consultant and design services in relation to waste licensing and remediation/reclamation projects in County Cork (Lot 2). Deadline for submission of tenders is 12:00 on Wednesday 22nd August.
2nd August 2012
RPS Group Ltd. selected to provide multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy services for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, Waste Licence Application and Planning Application for the East Tip, Haulbowline Island.
23rd July 2012
Tender brief for the Preparation of an Outline Design Solution and a Foreshore Licence Application for the East Tip, Haulbowline Island circulated to the 5 no. operators under the framework agreement for multi-disciplinary environmental consultant and design services in relation to waste licensing and remediation/reclamation projects in County Cork (Lot 2). Deadline for submission of tenders is 12:00 on Friday 3rd August.
6th July 2012
Deadline for submission of tenders in relation to the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, Waste Licence Application and Planning Application for the East Tip, Haulbowline Island.
28th June 2012
Representative of Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE) meets with Project Team for progress report and tour of site.
25th June 2012
Tender brief for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement, Waste Licence Application and Planning Application for the East Tip, Haulbowline Island circulated to the 5 no. operators under the framework agreement for multi-disciplinary environmental consultant and design services in relation to waste licensing and remediation/reclamation projects in County Cork (Lot 2). Deadline for submission of tenders is 12:00 on Friday 6th July.
14th June 2012
Site investigations completed. Sampling on-going.
10th May 2012
Cork County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government met with the European Commission at the offices of the Compliance Promotion, Governance & Legal Issues Unit in Brussels. Cork County Council gave presentation outlining progress to date and estimated timelines.
24th April 2012
Site investigations commence.
19th April 2012
Technical induction of site operatives.
18th April 2012
Health and safety meeting on site between representatives of the Health & Safety Authority, Cork County Council, PSDP (WYG EPT Ltd) and PSCS (Priority Geotechnical Ltd). Following a review of the relevant health & safety documentation and receipt of clarification on a number of issues (20th April) the HSA permitted that site investigations could proceed.
17th April 2012
Safety induction of site operatives.
12th April 2012
Project Team for the Quantitiative Risk Assessment (QRA) gave presentation in Naval Dockyard updating staff on progress to date and detailed upcoming site investigations.
2nd April 2012
Priority Geotechnical Ltd selected as preferred tenderer for site investigations. Letter of intent issued. 14 day standstill period commences.
16th March 2012
Deadline for submission of site investigation tenders (17:00).
7th March 2012
Cork County Council finalise East Tip Factual Report.
24th February 2012
Meetings of the Technical Group and Steering Group were facilitated by Cork County Council at County Hall on the afternoon of Friday 24th February. In attendance at the technical group meeting were representatives of Cork County Council, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. These were then joined by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Mr. Simon Coveney, representatives of the Naval Service, National Maritime College and CHASE for the meeting of the steering group. Both meetings were given a presentation on progress to date and also an outline of the next phase of works.
21st February 2012
Site investigation tender notice published on eTenders (www.etenders.gov.ie)
7th February 2012
WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd. selected to provide multi-disciplinary environmental consultancy services for site investigations and associated detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment.
24th January 2012
Arup, Mott MacDonald, RPS, Verdé and WYG appointed as operators under the framework agreement for mult-disciplinary environmental consultancy and design services in relation to waste licensing and remediation/reclamation projects in County Cork (Lot 2).
17th January 2012
SKM Enviros appointed as the single-operator under the framework agreement for multi-disciplinary environmental advisory services in relation to a waste licensing and remediation/reclamation project at Haulbowline Island, Co. Cork (Lot 1).
3rd January 2012
Interview given by Minister Coveney to RTE Six One News (Video no longer available)
12th December 2011
Deadline for receipt of completed tenders for Lot 1 and Lot 2 (see 29th November).
29th November 2011
Tender briefs for Lot 1 and Lot 2 issued (see 9th November and 14th October). Deadline for submission of tenders is 12:00 on Monday 12th December.
25th November 2011
An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny, accompanied by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine, Mr. Simon Coveney, and Minister for State Mr. Sean Sherlock met with members of Cork County Council's Project Team on the East Tip. Following a project update the party undertook a site walkover which included an inspection of the repair works to the sea breaches.
23rd November 2011
Cork County Council facilitated a visit to the East Tip by a delegation from the European Commission. Also in attendance were representatives of Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment (CHASE), Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The visit commenced with a boat trip to view the repair works completed on 21st November. Following this the Council gave a presentation outlining progress to date and addressed questions fielded by both the EC delegation and the NGOs. The visit concluded with a site walkover and inspection of the repair works.
21st November 2011
Works completed on the repair of the sea breaches along the northern section of the East Tip.
15th November 2011
Works commence on the repair of the sea breaches along the northern section of the East Tip.
9th November 2011
Deadline for receipt of completed Pre-Qualification Questionnaires for Lot 1 and Lot 2 (see 14th October).
2nd November 2011
Members of Cork County Council?s project team accompanied by consultants WYG (Ireland) and RPS gave a presentation on the project outline to naval personnel working on Haulbowline Island. This forum afforded the opportunity to those present to address queries to the project team.
28th October 2011
Meetings of the Technical Group and Steering Group were facilitated by Cork County Council at County Hall on the morning of Friday 28th October. In attendance at the technical group meeting were the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Simon Coveney, representatives of Cork County Council, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, Office of Public Works, Department of Defence and Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation. These were then joined by representatives of the Naval Service, Port of Cork, National Maritime College and CHASE for the meeting of the steering group. Both meetings were given a presentation on progress to date and also an outline of the programme of works to the end of the year.
14th October 2011
Notice published on eTenders (www.etenders.gov.ie) regarding the establishment of a framework for Multi-Disciplinary Environmental Services in relation to a waste licensing and remediation/reclamation project at Haulbowline, Co. Cork (Lot 1) and for Multi-Disciplinary Environmental Consultancy and Design Services in relation to waste licensing and remediation/reclamation projects in County Cork (Lot 2).
6th October 2011
As agreed with the European Commission on 9th September two representatives of Cork County Council accompanied by an EPA Licence Inspector undertook a technical site visit to the former steelworks site at Ravenscraig in Scotland. Ravenscraig Steelworks was one of the largest industrial landholdings in Europe (400 ha) and has a long and varied history of coal working, iron and steelmaking. Following its closure in 1992 British Steel this site has been remediated and a masterplan for the future development of the site has been drawn up.
Ravenscraig video produced by British Steel in association with Enviros in 1999 Click here for video.
14th September 2011
Cork County Council initiated process to address issue of breach at the north eastern corner of the East Tip.
13th September 2011
Cork County Council provided updates on Council homepage with respect to the licence application process which included links to relevant documentation.
9th September 2011
Representatives of Cork County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government attended a meeting with the European Commission at the offices of the Compliance Promotion, Governance & Legal Issues Unit in Brussels on 9th September. This meeting focused on the Haulbowline aspects of ECJ C494/01 and the Irish delegation outlined progress to date in relation to the regularisation of the site in addition to presenting the proposed licensing programme and associated timelines. Cork County Council undertook to keep members of the public informed on progress on the Council's website and also to address the matter of seawater inundating the north eastern section of the East Tip.
19th of August 2011
A Technical Group meeting was held on the 19th of August last in the offices of Cork County Council and was attended by representatives of the Council, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, the Offices of Public Works, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Defence. At this meeting Cork County Council set out the proposed approach for works necessary to prepare a waste licence application for the East Tip on Haulbowline.