Extensive clean-up operations in the vicinity of Tycor continue today and are anticipated to continue for at least another week, following a large fire at the Old Jute Factory site on Saturday, May 9th.
The clean-up works are methodically carried out by trained asbestos personnel using controlled methods. Asbestos-containing materials identified in the area have been removed from all surrounding roads and footpaths, and work continues on the external areas of private houses and gardens.
For operational safety, Tycor Avenue, Griffith Place and Ard na Greine will remain closed to the public during the times the contractors are on site but will re-open in the evenings.
Background levels of asbestos commonly exist in the air as it was widely used in building materials up to 2004, after which the importation and sale of all asbestos was banned in Ireland. However daily air monitoring at the site consistently indicates that no elevated levels of asbestos fibres are present and are below the limit of detection.
HSE public safety advice remains for those within the immediate vicinity.
– Do not touch / remove any debris, ash or soot particles
– If necessary, dampen down dust particles with a light dousing of water. It is important not to disturb or aerosolise particles. Do not use a power hose
– Do not brush debris
– Do not use a vacuum
– Do not cut / mow grass
– Do not bring debris, dust, ash, or suspected ACMs into your home on footwear or clothing
– Remove and clean footwear before entering the house, where possible
– Wash hands thoroughly after any outdoor activities
If small amounts of dust or debris have entered your home, avoid vacuuming or vigorous cleaning, as this may disturb particles and cause them to become airborne; clean surfaces gently using gloves and disposable damp cloths or wet wipes only; do not use dry cloths, brushes or household dusters; used cloths and wipes should be placed in a sealed bag immediately after use. Sealed bags should be placed outside for collection and disposal by the Council’s specialist contractor.
The Council continues to work closely with the building owners and relevant specialists to ensure the site is fully remediated and managed appropriately and would like to thank members of the public for their patience and cooperation while these works are being carried out.
Business owner concerns
A meeting involving impacted business operators, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke, Minister of State John Cummins and Council Chief Executive Sean McKeown was held at The Tower Hotel earlier this week, with Government support pledged for those affected. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has also confirmed support at Government level.
Concerns have also been raised locally about asbestos in older buildings across the city and county in the aftermath of the fire. At a recent plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Councillor Mary Roche called for a wider assessment of such properties.
She said: “I think we need to be aware of those buildings, maybe not today, but in the aftermath of this, I think we need to have an assessment of those buildings and the safety of them and if any remediation measures need to be taken in advance of something like this happening again in order to ward it off.”
She added: “I am quite sure that this is going to be a huge burden financially on this council and on the central government as well. So, if there’s anything that we can do to ward that off, I think we should learn from that and try and put something in place.”
She also commended the emergency response, saying: “I want to commend the firebrigade for their bravery and dedication on the night and the comm staff who have been excellent and the entire management and emergency response team who have done a huge amount of work and continue, I’m sure, to learn from this.”
Chief Executive Sean McKeown says asbestos only becomes a risk when fibres are released into the air.
He said: “Our understanding is that asbestos is completely okay as long as it’s not disturbed and the fibres become airborne, and that’s the issue we’re currently dealing with in the cleanup at the Tycor Business Centre.”
He added: “There’s no issue with asbestos roofs as they currently stand. It’s when they’re impacted by fire or other works that the fibres become airborne, and that’s when it becomes a hazard.”
He also says he is confident the Government will cover the costs of the cleanup, after discussions with Ministers following the Tycor fire.
He concluded saying: “We’re looking at 10 days to two weeks in terms of program before the cleanup is comprehensively completed.”
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