asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the tidal waters along the Waterford coast carry a film of oil which deposits a tarry substance on the beaches, making bathing almost impossible; and, if so, if he will state what steps he proposes to take to have the matter investigated and if possible remedied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Deposit on Waterford Beaches.
My attention has recently been drawn to the pollution of portions of the coast by oily substances.
The indiscriminate discharge of oil in the harbours or territorial waters of the State is prohibited, under penalty, by the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1926.
I have arranged for the issue of a special notice drawing the attention of shipowners, masters and shipping agents to the necessity for strict compliance with the provisions of the Act, and to the desirability of ensuring that oil or oil sludge should not be discharged from vessels within 50 miles of the coast.
In the meantime will the Minister consider having a discussion with the local authorities as to the possibility of decontaminating the strands in the vicinity of the City of Dublin?
That is a separate question.
It arises on this.
This has reference to Waterford.
We all know that oil drifts ashore in places other than Waterford. If you bring children to any shore in County Dublin it takes days to get the oil off them.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that this is a subject of worldwide interest and no effective solution has been found. There is, I think, a committee of the United Nations Organisation trying to find such a solution.
The Minister, I am sure, is concerned about the tourist trade in this country for the summer. I can tell him, as far as the Wexford beaches are concerned, that it is well-nigh impossible for anyone to go on these beaches without having their clothes ruined with this tar or oil.
So far as the navigable waters under our control are concerned the law is there and will be enforced when detection proves possible. But the difficulty in this case arises from the fact that the discharge of the oil or sludge takes place outside the territorial waters and, therefore, no offence against our law is committed. The same is true of other countries and that is why some international arrangement is necessary.
I am speaking about the strands as they are at present. I am merely asking what Deputy Dillon asked: Will the Minister get in touch with the local authorities and ask them, as one interested in tourism, to try to have the oil taken off the strands?
The tourist development authorities——
Is the Minister aware that on the Sydney beaches and the New York beaches they have the same problem? I understand that they have something which removes lady's hairpins, broken glass and tar from the sand, which is a very desirable thing.
The Minister and Deputies will all have an early opportunity of personal inspection.