andMr. Hussey asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that waste oil from Bord na Móna machinery at Attymon, Athenry, County Galway, is polluting local streams and rivers; and the steps he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway River Pollution.
18.
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.
May I take it that the Minister has no say in the matter? May I take it that it is purely up to the local authority and it is they who have to take action?
Yes, investigation of complaints of water pollution or any pollution which may be occuring are matters for the local authority concerned. The local authorities have been asked in a circular issued to them recently and in 1973, to take all possible steps to prevent and abate water pollution. There is no information in the Department regarding pollution by waste oil from Bord na Móna machinery at Attymon, Athenry, County Galway and neither have Galway County Council any knowledge of such pollution. Therefore, apparently it is a secret between a few people. Perhaps if they leak that out, the leakage of oil might be investigated by Galway County Council.
Question No. 19.
Is the Minister aware that there is concern in this area about the leakage of oil into streams and rivers in the Attymon area, Athenry?
I was not in that area during the by-election, therefore, I did not hear any complaints. If Deputy Hussey received a complaint, he is a member of Galway County Council and I am sure he and his colleagues on the council will have taken up the matter. Nobody has so far informed the Galway County Council about complaints, and, therefore, they cannot do anything about it. I have no function.