asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the pollution of lakes and certain fishing rivers in the country is now so serious for fisheries that urgent remedial measures are demanded; and if he will state the steps he proposes to take in the matter.
Written Answers. - Water Pollution.
129.
The Deputy will appreciate that any fishery consideration is a matter for fishery interests, in respect of which the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries is the appropriate Minister.
In so far as the position regarding pollution of rivers generally is concerned, surveys carried out by An Foras Forbartha show that while the overall situation is reasonably satisfactory, localised and seasonal pollution, serious in places, is occurring. I have asked local authorities to investigate the causes of any serious pollution disclosed by the Foras Forbartha studies with a view to initiating any necessary remedial measures.
With regard to lakes, I would refer the Deputy to my reply on the 27th November, 1975, to a question (No. 34) on that subject.
The preparation of legislation to provide for better control of water pollution is now well advanced and I hope to have it brought before the Dáil very shortly.
130.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of reports that the pollution of bathing places, if unchecked, is likely to increase; if he will arrange for a systematic and continuing monitoring of bathing places to enable the incidence and extent of the pollution to be detected at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the comment made by the Joint Committee on the Secondary Legislation of the European Communities in a recent report on an EEC directive on bathing water quality. The report also pointed out that bathing waters generally in Ireland have a much higher standard of quality than is aimed at in the directive and that works in progress or in planning by local authorities will improve the water quality in a number of areas.
The directive on bathing water quality was approved at an EEC Environment Council meeting held on the 16th October, 1975. I pointed out at the meeting that an elaborate monitoring system, as envisaged in the directive, would be a needless and wasteful exercise in the case of bathing waters remote from sources of pollution. The directive has not yet become operative but I have arranged that the monitoring implications be examined in detail in my Department with a view to the preparation of guidance for local authorities.