asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state further to his recent statement that some 60 rivers in the country are being tested for pollution, whether the River Lee in Cork is included in the tests being carried out; how often tests are being held; the result of the tests taken to date; and if he is aware that residents of the Cork Harbour area are extremely concerned about the proposed city sewerage scheme which will mean the dumping of untreated sewage into the river at Passage West, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Pollution.
18.
The national survey of river water quality being carried out by the water resources division of An Foras Forbartha includes the River Lee upstream of Cork city. Four chemical sampling cycles and a detailed biological examination have been carried out since last January. A report on the results of these tests, which is at present in preparation, is expected to be available soon. In the meantime preliminary data have been made available to the local authorities concerned.
As regards the proposed sewerage scheme no final decision has been taken as to the extent of treatment or the location of the outfall. The local authority is having detailed tests carried out in the harbour area and the results of these will be taken into account when a final decision on these matters is being made.