Vol. 245 No. 5
asked the Minister for Local Government what progress is being made by the committee set up to examine the question of water pollution; if this committee is also considering air pollution, and when it is expected that the committee will make its report.
29.
asked the Minister for Local Government if any survey is being carried out, particularly in Dublin, to assess the extent to which rivers are being polluted by untreated sewage; and what steps are being taken to identify the sources of such pollution and to remedy the situation.
30.
asked the Minister for Local Government is any survey being carried out, particularly in Dublin, to assess the extent to which rivers are being polluted by untreated industrial waste; and what steps are being taken to identify the sources of such pollution and to remedy the situation.
31.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state his function in relation to water and air pollution; and what specific powers are available to him to deal with the problem.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 29, 30 and 31 together.
The organisation recently set up to investigate all aspects of our water resources including water pollution, take the form of a new division within An Foras Forbartha. As I informed the Dáil when introducing my Department's Estimates, this division is now operative and will, in due course, be concerned to identify areas where serious water pollution is occurring, or where there is a danger that it might occur to any significant extent. The division is at present engaged in examining the information already available from a number of sources in regard to the problem. The results of these investigations will enable a decision to be taken as to the lines on which further researches should proceed. It can be assumed that such researches will include on-the-ground surveys of suspect locations, including such locations in the Dublin area. It will then be possible for the appropriate authorities to initiate necessary remedial measures. The new division will not concern itself with air pollution.
My functions in relation to water and air pollution stem from my responsibility in regard to environmental planning and from my overall responsibility for the sanitary services programmes of local authorities. The statutory powers of control available are contained in the Alkali etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906; the Rivers Pollution Prevention Acts, 1876 and 1893; the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 1964 and the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.
Is the Minister aware that even the limited powers available to the local authority are subject to regulations being made by the Minister and that no such regulations have yet been made by the Minister?
I am not so aware.
That is a fact.
Am I to understand the Minister will not seek any further powers to deal with pollution?
I did not say that.
Will he say whether he will or not?
That is a separate question.
