asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in relation to the reported abandonment of a proposal to erect a public convenience at Loughshinny, County Dublin, he considers that the discharge of untreated effluent into the sea would not represent a very considerable improvement, from the public health aspect, upon the present total lack of sanitation which constitutes a very obvious health hazard, particularly during the tourist season when large numbers visit the village.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Loughshinny (Dublin) Sanitation.
18.
The provision of a sanitary convenience at Loughshinny is a matter for the sanitary authority in the first instance, and no proposals in the matter have been submitted to my Department. It would not be proper for me to comment on the matter raised by the Deputy. I understand, however, that the sanitary authority did prepare plans for a temporary convenience from which untreated sewage would be discharged into the sea but that the plans were abandoned because of objections raised to them.
I am aware of that. Is the Minister aware that I put down the question to try to get some view from his Department as to the desirability of having a convenience erected at Loughshinny because of the obvious threat to public health due to lack of such facilities and in view of the fact that large numbers of people come there during the tourist season? If the Minister has no direct function to erect such a structure, he has responsibility to do whatever lies in his power to protect the health of the people. I would ask the Minister to use his good offices with the Department of Transport and Power and to point out to them that the situation which would be created by the discharge of effluent into the sea would not be as bad as the present situation.
This is a matter for the county council, acting on the advice of their medical adviser, and it is only in sanctioning any arrangement that they may come to in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Power that I have any say.
You should try to initiate it in some way.
The council did initiate it to the extent I have mentioned but they did not go on with it.
They were shot down by the Department of Transport and Power.
That is information I have not got.
In a communication I received from the Minister, it was indicated this was not proceeded with because the cost of such works would be excessive. Would the Minister consider that the cost is excessive for such an essential need?
If I get a clear indication from the council and I am backed up by our own technical officers, together with whatever necessary agreement is required from the Department of Transport and Power, I shall certainly give every co-operation necessary to get this job done.
Perhaps the Minister would bring the matter to the notice of the county manager.
19.
asked the Minister for Local Government the estimated cost of the provision of effluent treatment works at Loughshinny, County Dublin.
The effluent treatment works included in the proposed Loughshinny sewerage scheme are estimated by the council's consulting engineer to cost £1,800.