asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of widespread public dissatisfaction regarding the extent of smoke pollution of the atmosphere, he will make a full statement on the present position with regard to its control; whether it is an offence for factories to emit noxious smoke and fumes; if so, what form of control is exercised to ensure that such offences are not committed; and how many prosecutions for such offences have been instituted in the past two years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Pollution.
45.
The emission of noxious fumes and gases from certain specialised industries, mainly chemical works, are controlled under the Alkali, et cetera, Works Regulation Act, 1906, which is administered by my Department. The works are required to be registered annually and are subject to inspection by the chief Alkali Inspector, who must be satisfied as to the precautions taken to prevent the emission of noxious gases. The report of the chief Alkali Inspector is furnished annually to both Houses of the Oireachtas.
With regard to smoke emission, certain controls are contained in the nuisance provisions of section 107 of the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, which are operated by the local sanitary authorities, but these do not apply to factory premises within the meaning of the Factories Act, 1955.
Section 10 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1962, gives wide powers to carry out investigations in regard to atmospheric pollution and to make regulations designed to prevent such pollution. A programme of measurements of air pollution has been organised by my Department, in co-operation with some industrial and other bodies. This programme is being systematically extended and, in the meantime, draft interim regulations are being prepared which will place restrictions on emission of dark smoke from all premises other than private dwelling houses.
No prosecutions have been instituted on behalf of the Department under the Alkali, et cetera, Works Regulation Act, 1906, during the past two years, and I am not aware of the institution by local authorities of prosecutions in regard to smoke emissions. In cases of complaint in regard to smoke issuing from factory premises, improvements have been effected in many cases by voluntary co-operation by the proprietors with inspectors from the local authority or from my Department who visit the premises in an advisory capacity.