Vol. 247 No. 3
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the amount of grants for resort development paid by Bord Fáilte in respect of places in Dublin Bay; and if in order to ensure that such expenditure is not wasted he will have consultations with the authorities concerned to stop pollution of Dublin Bay.
35.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if having regard to the considerable damage being done to Dublin Bay by sewage contamination with resultant harm to the tourist industry in Dublin and environs, he has had or will have consultations with the bodies concerned to ensure that the amenities of Dublin Bay will be conserved for the benefit of tourists and Dublin residents alike.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the board have spent £43,500 to date on resort development at places in Dublin Bay. I am very conscious of the implications of pollution for the tourist industry and my Department have drawn the attention of the appropriate interests to the likely adverse effects of an increase in pollution in Dublin Bay on the prospects of tourist development at east coast resorts. In addition, Bord Fáilte have made representations to the bodies concerned about pollution in the bay and will continue to do so as necessary.
The Minister for Local Government has already explained to the Dáil the measures being taken by the appropriate authorities to deal with the question of sewage pollution in the bay and I would refer the Deputy to the Minister's replies to questions on the subject on 8th, 15th and 23rd July, 1969.
Will the Minister give an indication as to the replies he received from the Dublin Corporation regarding the representations he made to them not to contaminate Dublin Bay further?
As the Minister for Health has pointed out this is really a matter in which the Dublin Corporation, Dublin County Council, the Borough of Dún Laoghaire and the Minister for Local Government are involved. At the present time An Foras Forbartha are investigating this matter and, in fact, the Minister for Local Government has set up a new division within An Foras Forbartha to investigate all aspects of water resources, including pollution. The attention of this new division has been directed to the suspect areas in Dublin Bay about which the Deputy is concerned. I agree with the Deputy that this is a problem and would assure him that this new division in An Foras Forbartha are looking into the matter.
Can the Minister say when the report of An Foras Forbartha will be available? As this is the tourist season the Minister must be aware that many people may be tempted to bathe in the putrid waters of Dublin Bay.
I have not any information as to when the report will be available. I suggest the Deputy should address his question to my colleague.
I have done so.
