We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
REPORTS DETAILING THE levels of toxicity in the air at Baldonnel Airfield have disappeared, TheJournal.ie can reveal.
A letter seen by this publication, which was sent to a TD, says two reports into the measurement of potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other airborne toxins cannot be located by the Defence Forces.
The letter from Paul Kehoe, Minister of State with responsibility for Defence, reads:
“I have now been advised by the military that there was a report on measuring CO fumes from aircraft compiled by Forbairt [which later became Enterprise Ireland] in 1995 and a further report on monitoring air contaminants in workshops in 1997 which was also compiled by Forbairt.
“In addition, an internal report was compiled by the Air Corps in 2014 in relation to a litigation case and in 2017, an occupational air survey was carried out by an independent environmental services company.
Unfortunately, following an extensive search and their having consulted with Enterprise Ireland (which superseded Forbairt), I am advised by the military authorities that it has not been possible to locate the earlier Forbairt reports.
The revelation has been met with frustration and outrage by a number of whistleblowers who say that these reports hold vital information in relation to their cases.
Six men are suing the Air Corps as they allege they became sick from being exposed to chemicals at Baldonnel.
One told TheJournal.ie: “We’re not exactly surprised by this. We are being met at every turn. There are people who don’t want certain things to see the light of day. How can important files like this just go missing? Surely, there’s someone who has to be culpable.
“There are too many people who are affected by this. We think they were exposed to dangerous chemicals. This is bigger than the six of us. There are hundreds of people, if not thousands this may be affecting.
To tell us the files which can prove what we have been saying now are nowhere to be found. It’s all a bit convenient.
Earlier this week, we reported that two of the six men who are taking cases against the Air Corps have developed cancer since starting the litigation.
A new protected disclosure, also reported by this publication last week, alleged that a number of children of Air Corps staff have died as a result of being exposed to toxic chemicals.
A 2016 inspection by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) identified a number of shortcomings at Baldonnel with corrective actions then taken by the Defence Forces in relation to how it handles such chemicals.
According to the HSA report seen by TheJournal.ie, the Air Corps was warned it could face prosecution if it did not “comply with advice and relevant legal requirements” about how hazardous substances were managed, among other safety matters.
At least six former members launched legal proceedings against the State for negligence and Junior Defence Minister Paul Kehoe has ordered an independent review of what happened at Baldonnel.
There has also been a separate controversy surrounding the appointment of Christopher O’Toole as the independent assessor of the claims.
We revealed last month how the claimants have been left frustrated after finding out that O’Toole is a former senior official at the Office of the Attorney General, one of the bodies which they are taking the case against.
A statement from the Department of Defence read: “The State Claims Agency is currently managing six claims taken by former and current members of the Air Corps against the Minister for Defence for personal injuries alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances whilst working in the Air Corps in Baldonnel in the period 1991 to 2006. Given these matters are subject to litigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
‘Government wants to know how much the clean-up bill for Storm Emma is going to cost’
the taxpayer.
@David Sinclair: As opposed to who David, given taxes fund public spending?
@David Sinclair: as opposed to who David does minister Murphy have a money tree out the back of Dáil Éireann that he shakes in case of emergency.
Just clarifying things in case the message fails to get communicated.
@Tom Harpur: Yes they seem to be able to find copious amounts of money when they want to!
@David Sinclair: bad weather damages infrastructure and requires capital investment. They might have to bring forward some repair work. This needs forecasting, what’s the big deal?
I must say though I have extra respect for all the farmers now who helped dig out the more isolated roads. Spare a thought for them when there’s a late start to spring and they need support to feed their livestock.
Not as much as cleaning up the tidal wave of corruption that besets this once fine nation!
On another matter I see the comments on Anglo Irish Banking enquiry into Siteserve and other matters has already been suspended!
@Jarlath Murphy: Shallow and tired click-bait. Ata boy Jarlath.
@Jarlath Murphy: All aboard the censorship. No one is allowed to question the slurping activities of the fat pigs at the trough.
@MK76: Yet you felt compelled to respond?
Shallow and tired, like the hackneyed
Strategic Communications Unit Mess?
@Patricia McCarthy: They have their pathetically sad sycophantic acolytes defending their excesses, as they wat in solemn servitude for an opportunity to slurp at the trough!
Sad specimens!
@Jarlath Murphy: Ah, sure that’s more of it now Jarlath. Yaaaaaaawn.
@MK76: while pretending not to care you still feel compelled to respond?
@Jarlath Murphy: Just trying to help someone who is clearly craving attention Jarlath. The content of your messages are utter tripe, but maybe you’re just lonely.
@MK76: Your concern is touching, perhaps I can move in with you?
@Jarlath Murphy: when was it a fine nation?
@Jarlath Murphy: Couldn’t listen to your empty rhetoric and opaque political musings, but there’s someone for everyone, so hang in there.
@MK76: They say there’s a match for a beetle and you’ve clearly found yours!
In the meantime I hear they are planning on rebranding the Strategic Communications Unit.
Can you confirm?
@Ohhh_reeally: Before you clearly!
@Jarlath Murphy: How would I be able to conf…….wait a minute….
Jarlath, you rascal you. You’re intimating I’m somehow part of FGs communications unit, because I’m calling you out for your moronic posts.
You’re as clever as you are original. How are you still single?
@MK76: What you mean your not on the pay roll!
How disappointing!
For you!
@MK76: AK47 does a lot of yawning but can’t seem to just close his bullying gob for its own absence of sense defending this joke of a government, nit picking as usual while ignoring all the other articles on the journal; Macabe,spin and the hse mess. Go off to sleep you must have insomnia worrying about your peacock Leo. Say goodnight to @Frank Murphy for me ;(
@Jarlath Murphy: Rebranding SCUT? No. I hope not. It should remain as SCUT. Strategic Communication Unit Trolls.
Such an appropriate title.
@MK76: AK47= moronic yawn
@Declan: There you are Jarlath. Declan and yourself seem like a match made in heaven.
@MK76: Don’t worry, you got to believe that there’s someone for you!
Just hold on in there, you may end up with a rich bankster, a bulging pocket full of water options and a very short cough!
Alternatively you may even get elected!
@Patricia McCarthy:
General Independent Managerial Processors
Not sure what that will be shortened too?
They don’t wanna be asking The Gardaí how much it’ll be, figure they’ll get back would be either 76trillion euro or a fiver
We pay taxes. Deal with it.
@Tony Joyce: ‘HOUSING MINISTER EOGHAN Murphy today expressed his appreciation for the “whole-of-government” support during the severe weather last week.
While he acknowledged the situation is not over for everyone around the country, the minister told his Cabinet colleagues that the management of the cold weather conditions “went to plan”.
He should get a t shirt with a hand slapping his back. It woudl save him having to do it himself all the time. Does this guy ever stfu about how good he and the govermnemt are?
Didn’t cost a penny in my estate r any estate I’d say as no council worker to be seen…ah we have to keep the main roads etc our number one priority…surely they could provide more resources/funding for estates so people can get around and get about…
@Gareth Fitzpatrick:
Alternatively you could set up a resistance committee and buy a few shovels. There is no law against getting up off your arse and doing something to contribute
@Nick Allen:
Residents*
@Nick Allen: I and most of the neighbours that were young enough all did that…your smartarse comment is really appreciated..
@Nick Allen: I and most of the neighbours that were young enough all did that…your smart comment is really appreciated…
@Gareth Fitzpatrick:
Then what are you moaning about?
@Nick Allen: are you for real?? I’m so called moaning because why isn’t there enough resources for the council to do more I’m lucky enough to have a job…if they where given more funding they would be able to clear roads in estates so people Can get around…why should residents have to do it all?? I’m far from lazy but surely it would be under there job remit to do more locally??
Gov ain’t worried about how much their spin unit costs, not worried about how much their expensive 2040 and similar launches cost, not worried about how much their own advertising and self promotion costs, but worried about how much support they have to give out to the plebs after the storm and how much that’s going to inconvenience them.
After their spin unit failure and resultant bad publicity, gov wants to appear to be more honest with the public now, but the leopard doesn’t change it’s spots, their response will be to try harder to fool the nation!
The incompetent gov don’t seem to worry how much it’s gonna cost when it comes to their own salaries, very generous expenses, exorbitant pensions, extra payments for appearing on various gov committees, and ridiculous compensation packages.
Mattie McGrath TD and his family were out all during the snow clearing roads and helping stranded drivers with their heavy equipment at their own expense . Its great to see a politician talking the talk as well as walking the walk.
@Naoimh Ó Murchadha: lol dont kid yourself. A bill will go to the council. TDs arent in the charity business and the machinery and operators dont work on fresh air.
@Naoimh Ó Murchadha: He mustn’t have been able to get out to any funerals.
@Naoimh Ó Murchadha: Yes I heard about that because he and his organisation made danm sure to put out plenty of photos and social media updates about it. Meanwhile lots of ordinary people did stuff quietly and without a fuss.
Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development.
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then these services may not function properly.
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not be able to monitor our performance.
Cookies, device or similar online identifiers (e.g. login-based identifiers, randomly assigned identifiers, network based identifiers) together with other information (e.g. browser type and information, language, screen size, supported technologies etc.) can be stored or read on your device to recognise it each time it connects to an app or to a website, for one or several of the purposes presented here.
Advertising presented to you on this service can be based on limited data, such as the website or app you are using, your non-precise location, your device type or which content you are (or have been) interacting with (for example, to limit the number of times an ad is presented to you).
Information about your activity on this service (such as forms you submit, content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (for example, information from your previous activity on this service and other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (that might include possible interests and personal aspects). Your profile can be used (also later) to present advertising that appears more relevant based on your possible interests by this and other entities.
Advertising presented to you on this service can be based on your advertising profiles, which can reflect your activity on this service or other websites or apps (like the forms you submit, content you look at), possible interests and personal aspects.
Information about your activity on this service (for instance, forms you submit, non-advertising content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (such as your previous activity on this service or other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (which might for example include possible interests and personal aspects). Your profile can be used (also later) to present content that appears more relevant based on your possible interests, such as by adapting the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find content that matches your interests.
Content presented to you on this service can be based on your content personalisation profiles, which can reflect your activity on this or other services (for instance, the forms you submit, content you look at), possible interests and personal aspects. This can for example be used to adapt the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find (non-advertising) content that matches your interests.
Information regarding which advertising is presented to you and how you interact with it can be used to determine how well an advert has worked for you or other users and whether the goals of the advertising were reached. For instance, whether you saw an ad, whether you clicked on it, whether it led you to buy a product or visit a website, etc. This is very helpful to understand the relevance of advertising campaigns.
Information regarding which content is presented to you and how you interact with it can be used to determine whether the (non-advertising) content e.g. reached its intended audience and matched your interests. For instance, whether you read an article, watch a video, listen to a podcast or look at a product description, how long you spent on this service and the web pages you visit etc. This is very helpful to understand the relevance of (non-advertising) content that is shown to you.
Reports can be generated based on the combination of data sets (like user profiles, statistics, market research, analytics data) regarding your interactions and those of other users with advertising or (non-advertising) content to identify common characteristics (for instance, to determine which target audiences are more receptive to an ad campaign or to certain contents).
Information about your activity on this service, such as your interaction with ads or content, can be very helpful to improve products and services and to build new products and services based on user interactions, the type of audience, etc. This specific purpose does not include the development or improvement of user profiles and identifiers.
Content presented to you on this service can be based on limited data, such as the website or app you are using, your non-precise location, your device type, or which content you are (or have been) interacting with (for example, to limit the number of times a video or an article is presented to you).
With your acceptance, your precise location (within a radius of less than 500 metres) may be used in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
With your acceptance, certain characteristics specific to your device might be requested and used to distinguish it from other devices (such as the installed fonts or plugins, the resolution of your screen) in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
Your data can be used to monitor for and prevent unusual and possibly fraudulent activity (for example, regarding advertising, ad clicks by bots), and ensure systems and processes work properly and securely. It can also be used to correct any problems you, the publisher or the advertiser may encounter in the delivery of content and ads and in your interaction with them.
Certain information (like an IP address or device capabilities) is used to ensure the technical compatibility of the content or advertising, and to facilitate the transmission of the content or ad to your device.
Information about your activity on this service may be matched and combined with other information relating to you and originating from various sources (for instance your activity on a separate online service, your use of a loyalty card in-store, or your answers to a survey), in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
In support of the purposes explained in this notice, your device might be considered as likely linked to other devices that belong to you or your household (for instance because you are logged in to the same service on both your phone and your computer, or because you may use the same Internet connection on both devices).
Your device might be distinguished from other devices based on information it automatically sends when accessing the Internet (for instance, the IP address of your Internet connection or the type of browser you are using) in support of the purposes exposed in this notice.
The choices you make regarding the purposes and entities listed in this notice are saved and made available to those entities in the form of digital signals (such as a string of characters). This is necessary in order to enable both this service and those entities to respect such choices.
have your say