asked the Minister for Local Government whether it would be permissible for Dublin Corporation to release larger quantities of water from time to time from Bohernabreena reservoir for the purpose of assisting in the cleaning and purification of the River Dodder; and, if so, if the responsible authority will sympathetically consider the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Pollution.
50.
This would be a matter for consideration by the local sanitary authority, one in which I would have no function.
Could the Minister not say whether it would be permissable for the local sanitary authority to do it?
It would be a matter for the local authority.
Would they have permission to do it?
They do not need to have permission. It is within their sphere.
51.
asked the Minister for Local Government if, having regard to the multiplicity of different authorities and persons with varying degrees of responsibility for the prevention or remedying of pollution of rivers, and the desirability of protecting and developing the natural advantages and amenities of rivers, he will consider as a matter of urgency the establishment of river boards with comprehensive powers to deal with all river problems and possibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As I indicated in reply to a number of recent questions on the subject of water pollution, An Foras Forbartha, at my request, has set up a water resources division, which will investigate all aspects of water pollution. It is only when the results of these investigations are available that a decision can be taken as to the most appropriate measures to deal with the problem. The precise future role of the various authorities at present with interests in this field must then also come up for review.
Is the Minister in a position to state when An Foras Forbartha are likely to issue their recommendations in the matter? Has he indicated to them the desirability of publishing them before a certain date.
No, not before a definite date. They are making arrangements to get ahead with this work as quickly as possible, but it will take some time.
52.
asked the Minister for Local Government the fines and other penalties to which persons render themselves liable for dumping refuse in rivers and canals.
The penalty under the Public Health Acts for dumping refuse in a river is forty shillings for each offence. Where the dumping of refuse is done to such an extent as to interfere with the flow of the river or to pollute the water, a penalty not exceeding £50 per day can be imposed under the Rivers Pollution Prevention Act, 1876.
I understand that the bye-laws made by Córas Iompair Éireann provide for a penalty of five pounds for each offence of dumping refuse in a canal.
53.
asked the Minister for Local Government if, considering the known propensity of some persons residing in dwellings the rears of which look towards river banks to dump refuse into rivers, he will ensure that any new housing schemes adjoining the River Dodder in Dublin will be so constructed that the back gardens will not lead down to the river.
Primary responsibility for deciding on the planning aspects of new housing developments that may be undertaken in proximity to the River Dodder rests with the local authorities within whose administrative areas the Dodder Valley lies.
Would the Minister consider giving an indication to the local authority in question that it is undesirable that the rears of houses should lead down to rivers having regard to the known propensity of some people to use the back wall of such places as a convenient place for dumping their refuse?
I have no reason to believe it would be necessary to give them that indication. I would imagine that planning authorities would be alive to the fact that it would be desirable to avoid situations such as the Deputy has described.
If it should arise that a planning authority has not adverted to it, would the Minister himself ensure that plans which include such undesirable features would not be permitted to proceed?
I do not think I need interfere to that extent with planning authorities.