CITY PARK TESTS POSITIVE FOR POISONOUS METALS

Date Published: 19-May-2008

Galway city council is treating the discovery of high levels of toxic metals in a city centre park as an isolated incident.

It’s decided against closing Fr Burke Park, off Fr Griffin Road, where a soil sample tested positive last Wednesday (14/5) for elevated levels of lead, arsenic and zinc.

Of two soil samples taken, one proved normal and below all soil guidelines but the other contained elevated levels of the three metals.

The positive soil sample was excavated from deep below the ground and is not thought to be a threat to public health and safety.

However the city council has informed the HSE and the Environmental Protection Agency of its findings.

Further tests will be taken and the exposed area covered with topsoil and seeded.