asked the Minister for Local Government whether any fresh initiatives on measures to protect the home environment are envisaged following the attendance of a delegation at the Stockholm United Nations conference on problems associated with ecology.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Environment Protection.
108.
I would refer the Deputy to the statement on the Stockholm Conference, and its implications, which I included in my Estimates speech on 20th of this month. I think this covers the point raised by the Deputy and I will be glad to give any additional information that may be needed in the course of the debate.
109.
asked the Minister for Local Government when it is anticipated that the special working party on air and water pollution will make its report; and whether it is proposed to introduce more stringent precautions in the area of industries causing pollution.
A report dealing with the nature and extent of water pollution, the remedial strategies that might be adopted, the cost of such strategies, the adequacy of existing legislation and the need for fresh legislation is expected from the inter-departmental working group on air and water pollution within the next month or so.
As I have mentioned on several occasions, there are a number of existing controls on air and water pollution arising from industrial sources, including the controls contained in the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, the Control of Atmospheric Pollution Regulatons, 1970, and the Alkali etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906. The question of whether more stringent measures are required will be considered having regard to the recommendations of the working group.
Is it the case that in relation to industrial air pollution the only tests applied at the moment are in relation to visible density of smoke and that there is no test in relation to the chemical content of the smoke? Will the Minister consider amending the legislation in order to ensure that the emanation of smoke the poisonous contents of which are not visible is a matter in respect of which a prosecution could arise?
There are difficulties in dealing with this matter and difficulties in assessing the level of smoke pollutants. These matters are being considered. We are keeping in close touch with developments in other countries and will use whatever up-to-date techniques become available to us.
110.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether there has been any progress towards a co-ordinated approach in the treatment of pollution emanating from industrial undertakings.
The question whether, or on what conditions—including conditions as to treatment of effluent— planning permission is to be given for a particular industrial undertaking is a matter for the local planning authority subject to the right of appeal. Arrangements have been worked out to achieve co-ordination between the IDA, and other bodies concerned, and the local planning authorities in relation to avoidance of pollution from industrial effluents and various guidelines are available. The arrangements have been in operation for some time and are being reviewed. The question of future co-ordination comes within the scope of the examination of pollution problems being carried out by the inter-departmental working group on air and water pollution. I am expecting to have a report dealing with water pollution from the group within the next month or so.