The much publicised closure of military bases in the North of Ireland has left a legacy of pollution. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) have admitted as much in correspondence to the Celtic League.

The MoD are tight-lipped about the extent of the pollution, saying simply that, after Land Quality assessments (LQA)'s have been undertaken, "appropriate remediation action" has taken place. They do however specifically admit that the former base at Bessbrook in South Armagh, used as a major military helicopter base for over twenty five years, still has remedial works underway. This is not surprising as both Bessbrook and parts of the military base at Aldegrove were found to be polluted almost a decade ago. The length of time that the clean up is taking points to greater pollution of surface area and ground water than has been admitted.

Paradoxically, it was a British Army (Royal Engineers) report fifteen years ago which first revealed the extent of pollution around military sites - not surprisingly the report has not been well publicised.

The MoD has not openly publicised LQA's compiled on over six hundred military sites across Britain and N. Ireland despite a promise in the 1990s by Defence Secretary Michael Portillo that the information would be made public.

(MoD respose below):

"Dear Mr Moffatt

CLOSURE OF MILITARY SITES NI

Thank you for your letter of 10 Feb 2008 addressed to the Secretary of State for Defence. I have been asked to reply as this matter falls within my area of responsibility.

Land Quality Assessments (LQA) were carried out for all of the military sites including the temporary and permanent helicopter landing sites and where appropriate remediation action was taken.

Work to remediate the helicopter landing site at Bessbrook is underway at present. I hope this information is of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

Celine Dunlop MRICS Head of Land Management Services and Disposals"

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Also related articles in the (older) Celtic League archive at:

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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

03/04/08

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