asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in relation to the comments on pollution and its effect on tourism made in the 1975 Bord Fáilte report, he will state the action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pollution Control.
21.
The protection of the environment is a matter primarily for the Minister for Local Government and, in this regard, I would draw the attention of the Deputy to the Local Government (Water Pollution) Bill, 1976, currently before the Oireachtas. The Minister for Local Government has also set up an inter-departmental environment committee which is studying existing arrangements for protection of the environment, in which work my Department takes part.
My Department and its associated State-sponsored bodies appreciate the importance of the environment and take account of environmental factors in their operations.
The preservation of the environment is of special importance to the tourist industry and, therefore, receives particular attention from Bord Fáilte. The board have no statutory powers in relation to pollution control but care for the environment is a cornerstone of their policy, which is implemented through various projects, competitions and publicity activities. The board have my full support in these activities.
Would the Minister agree that the recently published report was a 1975 report? Would he agree that the situation in regard to pollution has worsened considerably since the period covered by that report and that it is a real danger to the tourist industry? To say that another Minister has responsibility is not good enough.
There is the problem that the board have no statutory powers in respect of pollution control. In that situation they are left only with voluntary persuasion to influence this very important matter for the tourist industry. I am sure the Minister would stress that control of pollution and safeguards in relation to it are matters for the entire community. Industry has a large responsibility in this regard and also farmers but Bord Fáilte have no statutory power that they can invoke.
Is it proposed to give them any?
I think the Minister will admit that some of the industries directly under the Department of Transport and Power might be more responsible for pollution than farmers? Have all possible steps been taken by Bord na Móna and the ESB, to whom I am referring, to ensure that they are not responsible for pollution of our rivers? These bodies are a direct responsibility of the Department of Transport and Power.
Legislation is going through under the aegis of the Minister for Local Government who appears to have major responsibility in this area although, of course, some responsibility is also shared by other Departments. The Department of Local Government have asked the local authorities to prepare a programme of measures to improve the environment. The Deputy may be assured that the Departments concerned are alive to the problems of the environment and the Department of Transport and Power are vitally concerned to see that measures are taken to protect tourism and also the inhabitants of this island itself.
22.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if there are any plans before him for the further development of Dublin port; and, if so, when any decision is likely to be made.
I would refer the Deputy to my predecessor's reply of 27th May, 1976 on four applications then before him for harbour works orders in the Dublin area.
On 12th November, 1976 the Dublin Port and Docks Board withdrew their application for a harbour works order in connection with the proposed oil refinery and tank farm, following failure to secure planning permission for the proposal.
Following this the board reduced from 13.2 to 8.3 hectares the area included in their application for a harbour works order to carry out port development works on the south side of the River Liffey. This amended application is under preliminary examination in my Department.
The board's application for a harbour works order to authorise port development works on the north side of the River Liffey is being processed and I will shortly require the board to publicise their proposals in the daily newspapers.
There has been no change in the position regarding the board's application for a harbour works order for development works at the North Bull Wall and this application, accordingly, remains deferred.