A GAS leak last Saturday at the Hickson chemical plant in Cork is to be investigated by the Health and Safety Authority. Hydrogen chloride gas escaped when a hose snapped, but the incident became known only yesterday.
There was no danger to staff on duty at the time, or to the public, said Hickson's managing director, Mr Steve Antosik. The leak was fully under control within 10 minutes, he added.
One of the main processing buildings at the plant was destroyed in an explosion and fire in August 1993 when pressure built up in a vessel, causing it to rupture. Millions of pounds worth of damage was caused and the plant was forced to close.
Yesterday the Green Party in Cork said that while it accepted the latest incident was a minor one, the delay in informing the public was worrying.
A party spokesman, Mr Dan Boyle, said the HSA's requirements on reporting industrial accidents were insufficient.