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Health and Safety Executive face High Court action over asbestos claims

Limavady businessman Joe Strawbridge has launched legal action against the HSCNI. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Limavady businessman Joe Strawbridge has launched legal action against the HSCNI. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Limavady businessman Joe Strawbridge has launched legal action against the HSCNI. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

LEGAL action has been launched against the Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland (HSENI) over an allegation that hazardous asbestos was allowed to remain on a building site for seven years.

A writ has been served by Limavady-based contractor Joe Strawbridge that claims the HSENI “actively participated in the commission of a civil wrong” by allowing a quantity of asbestos material to remain at a site in Carrickfergus from 2009 to 2016.

The High Court action taken by Mr Strawbridge makes the allegation that his company was not permitted to complete work at the Belfast Road site, which meant asbestos remained there “at the mercy of the elements”.

Asbestos fibres can cause a fatal lung conditions including cancer when inhaled, and methods used by those removing it from old buildings include keeping it wet in order for the tiny fibres not to spread in the nearby environment.

Mr Strawbridge claims the HSENI “neglected their duties to protect the public” after leaving the site.

He claims that by failing to treat the asbestos that remained there, this increased the likelihood of asbestos fibres blowing outwards across Carrickfergus and even across Belfast Lough towards North Down, posing a “health risk” to those living there

Speaking ahead of the action, a spokesperson for the HSENI said they would “robustly defend any accusations” made against them.