Vol. 242 No. 1
asked the Minister for Local Government if, with reference to his reply of 23rd October last concerning the possible public health risks arising from increasing water pollution, he will ensure that the work of the newly formed water information division of An Foras Forbartha will not be limited to the taking of remedial measures but that special attention will be given in the first instance to preventive measures to prevent pollution.
39.
asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals he has for a national survey on water quality for, among other things, determining the extent, nature, causes and effects of water pollution.
40.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider setting up some central body immediately to survey, investigate and control river pollution which is likely to become an increasingly serious problem.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 39 and 40 together.
As I stated in reply to Question No. 93 on the 23rd October, An Foras Forbartha has already set up at my request a water information division. The work of the division will extend to all problems arising out of the rational utilisation of our water resources including surveys and investigations into water pollution in all its aspects.
Could the Minister say how long this survey is likely to take?
I could not.
Could the Minister give an assurance that efforts will be concentrated on preventing pollution in the first instance? In reply to my question last week the Minister said that An Foras Forbartha had concentrated its efforts on curing pollution which had already taken place but I am concerned with preventing it?
They will do both.
