asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the increase of industrialisation, urbanisation, vehicularisation and other modern pressures on the environment, he will introduce a fully serviced early warning system to monitor the first signs of pollution in any part of the country so as to deal effectively and urgently with the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution Source Surveillance.
48.
Local authorities have adequate powers to exercise surveillance over sources of pollution in their areas and to carry out monitoring where necessary.
Monitoring of levels of air pollution in the larger centres of population, which has been going on for some years, was extended this year in the Dublin area and arrangements are being made for the improvement of the system in Cork and other areas.
With regard to water pollution An Foras Forbartha are carrying out an on-going national survey of water quality in the principal rivers and have already published a report on their general condition. A number of local authorities are making more detailed tests of particular waters. The general question of the arrangements for the future monitoring and control of water pollution are at present being considered in the light of the interdepartmental report on water pollution.
In the case of oil slicks at sea an early warning system is in operation under which the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre transmits relevant information to local oil pollution officers.
The Deputy can be assured that all these arrangements will be kept under review and improved as necessary.
Would the Minister agree that there is need for a central agency to deal with urgent problems such as that which occurred off Dalkey Island last week when, apparently, an oil slick was sighted? What action would the Minister have taken——
That is a hypothetical question.
I know detergents are used to spread oil spillage and to dissipate it.