asked the Minister for Health with reference to a reply of 3rd June if he will state the location and date of the sample of Dublin Bay water mentioned by him which indicated excessive pollution and the steps which have since been taken to remove the cause of such excess pollution or to warn the public of its existence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Bay Pollution.
1.
The samples of sea water referred to were taken in April, 1969, at the base of the West Pier in Dún Laoghaire.
Warning notices were immediately erected by the Dún Laoghaire Corporation advising bathers of the undesirability of bathing up to a certain point in Seapoint strand.
The excess pollution was caused by the discharge into the sea at the West Pier of crude sewage from a small number of houses. The corporation are taking steps to divert this sewage into a holding tank and eliminate the nuisance.
Can the Minister state if it is safe to bathe in the area?
As far as I know, the work has not yet been completed so, presumably, it would not be safe to bathe there. The work is being carried out as a matter of urgency.
2.
Dr. FitzGerald, Mr. Ryan
andMr. P. Belton asked the Minister for Health how frequently samples of sea-water in Dublin Bay are taken to test for pollution; at how many points in the bay they are taken; and on the basis of the sampling the statistical chances of serious pollution occurring without being detected by these tests.
Regular tests are made on samples of sea-water taken twice a month from March to October at nine points in Dublin Bay. Less frequent samples are taken at three other points.
I am advised that the condition of water at a bathing place cannot be judged on one particular sample but must be judged through analysing a series of samples; and the recent report of the Dublin Deputy Chief Medical Officer indicates that it has not been the experience here that the degree of pollution of sea-water in Dublin constitutes a health hazard.
It may be possible that gross sewage may be washed in to any particular beach on a combination of tide, current, wind and temperature, but this would be an extremely rare occurrence.
Would the Minister be good enough to inform the House as to the location of the nine points at which tests are regularly carried out?
Tests are carried out as follows: at Claremont strand; Dollymount—two points; Sandymount; Seapoint; Sandycove and at Killiney— three points. Less frequent samples are taken from Sutton, Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire—Scotsman's Bay.
Can the Minister say how near danger point the samples have reached? Could he inform the House as to the steps that should be taken by bathers in Dublin Bay to avoid any damaging consequences to themselves by reason of the presence of sewage?
I do not appear to have information as regards the actual count in respect of these areas. Perhaps the Deputy would put down a question on the matter.