Fife MP Roger Mullin is to confront Defence Secretary Michael Fallon over Dalgety Bay’s long-running radiation issue
The Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath politician is scheduled to ask a question on the contamination during Defence Questions in the House of Commons on Monday.
Last week The Courier highlighted Mr Mullin’s outrage at the lack of progress on tackling the issue which first came to light more than 25 years ago.
The Courier also explained that Fife councillors were furious the Ministry of Defence (MoD) failed to turn up to update them about the beach clean-up.
Mr Mullin said he was delighted to have the opportunity to confront Mr Fallon ahead of his meeting with the MoD next Wednesday.
“I will be asking the Secretary of State when he expects work to deal with contamination at Dalgety Bay to be completed, and I hope to receive a definitive answer,” Mr Mullin said.
“I will not be satisfied with ambiguity the MoD has dragged it’s feet long enough.”
He was backed by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Annabelle Ewing, who has written to Michael Fallon
“This is not the first time that I have written to the MoD on the issue of radiation contamination at Dalgety Bay, their foot-dragging on the matter really is quite infuriating.
“I want to know from the MoD when they will start the work necessary so that the remediation plan that has been agreed can get under way.
“It is extremely disappointing that no progress at all appears to have been made on the preliminary design work necessary with respect to the required planning application.
“This ongoing delay is simply not good enough and it is letting down the local community who are sick and tired of empty promises of action from the Ministry of Defence.”
A spokesperson for the MoD said: “The MoD continues to work with Sepa and Fife Council to improve the agreed strategy for the long term management of radium contamination at Dalgety Bay.
“The community will continue to be fully engaged throughout the process.
“The previously published strategy document includes a preliminary programme of activities to which we are currently working, and this will continue to be updated.
“Meetings between the key landowners, MoD, Sepa and Fife Council have progressed and draft access agreements are due to be exchanged.
“MoD contractors continue to monitor the beach and foreshore on a monthly basis for radioactive items in accordance with the health protection criteria set by Sepa.”