asked the Minister for Local Government if he has as yet any proposals to deal with lead pollution in the Clondalkin area, County Dublin.
90.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Pollution.
89.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has any proposals to avert the danger that vegetables grown in the Dublin area may become lead-tainted.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.
Under existing legislation certain industries concerned with lead recovery are subject to control under the Control of Atmospheric Pollution Regulations, 1970. The effect of the regulations is to require that the best practicable means must be used to minimise atmospheric emissions which may cause nuisance. I understand that the position of certain industries in the Clondalkin area under the regulations is receiving the special attention of Dublin County Council as the local authority concerned with implementation of the regulations.
The question of any need to advise people in particular areas in regard to the use of vegetables which may be lead-tainted is a matter for the appropriate health authorities and I understand that this aspect also is kept under consideration.
I raised this matter with the Minister for Health before the summer and he suggested, that while he would do what he could, the Minister for Local Government could do more. Therefore I thought I would ask him if he could directly intervene. Is the Minister telling me now that it is entirely a matter for the local authority?
The reason the Minister for Health said it was a matter for the Minister for Local Government was because Dublin County Council come under the Department of Local Government. I have requested them to give the greatest attention to this matter. They are doing this. In fairness to Dublin County Council it should be said that they are trying to ensure—I am sure Deputy Burke will agree with this—that everything possible is being done in this regard and that nobody is injured as a result of what is happening there.
91.
asked the Minister for Local Government the effect an oil refinery in Dublin Bay would have on the pollution of the Dublin city area.
This question could only be answered by reference to a particular project, not in general terms.
Is it not true that there have been certain specific reports which suggest that pollution might be reduced if this project was proceeded with? Has the Minister no factual report on this matter?
The matter has not come before me for decision one way or the other, so I have no reports.
Is there no application for planning permission?
There was an appeal submitted but we were asked to leave the appeal in abeyance quite some time ago. It has not been taken out of its sleep.
Can I take it that the Minister would agree that, even if such a proposal were to reduce pollution in Dublin Bay, the idea of an oil refinery in Dublin Bay is unacceptable?
In view of the fact that I will have the final say on the matter the Deputy will appreciate that I could not answer that question?
Would the Minister keep in mind in that connection if, heaven forbid, such a proposal ever comes before him, that apart from any other form of pollution associated with an oil refinery there is a noise problem?
Of course, this has been taken into account any time projects of this kind arise. There is no proposal, so I think we are wasting time on something which is not being considered at present.
Ní hé lá na gaoithe lá na scoilb.