asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a stream running through Deansgrange towards Johnstown, Cabinteely, County Dublin, is badly polluted and constitutes a health hazard to residents, school-going children and the public generally; and the action, if any, he intends to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Stream Pollution.
10.
The Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for the local authority concerned to investigate reports of pollution of this nature and to take appropriate action to secure abatement of any pollution. In this connection I have requested local authorities to take all possible steps to prevent and abate water pollution.
Have the Minister's Department made any inquiries about this very serious health hazard?
Yes.
This is a matter which concerns the House to the extent that it has been going on for some years. It is being polluted constantly. The stream itself runs through quite a large residential area. My up-to-date information is that there have been a number of cases of gastroenteritis in the area and that they can be directly related to the condition of this stream.
This is a long statement.
Has the Minister any up-to-date information on what action the local authority intend to take?
As I told the Deputy, it is a matter for the local authority. Naturally, when the question was put down I had inquiries made. It has been stated by Dublin County Council that recent pollution of the stream has been traced to a local factory. The factory were discharging waste water into their surface water system which discharges to the stream. The management have now agreed with Dublin County Council that, in future, the water will be discharged through the foul sewer system. This should prevent it happening again.
Has the Minister any function in that matter?
No, except to make an inquiry in this case. Because I had not delegated the decision to the local authority I was entitled to make the inquiry. If it was in respect of a house I would not make the inquiry.
This problem is now cured.
I am sure it has been attended to.