asked the Minister for Local Government if he will introduce a special scheme of grants and subsidies to enable sanitary authorities to combat the pollution of lakes and rivers in areas of high amenity and tourist value.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Pollution.
2.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on this subject on 29th June 1976—Dáil Debates, Volume 291, No. 13, columns 1837 and 1838—in which I indicated that works needed to eliminate pollution caused by discharges from sewerage systems of sanitary authorities already qualify for generous State subsidy. The rates of subsidy range from 40 per cent to 60 per cent of loan charges, depending on the location of the scheme, and are regarded as adequate. An additional 25 per cent is payable in respect of schemes in Gaeltacht areas.
I would point out that the main reason for overloaded or inadequate sewerage systems is underinvestment in the past. The capital allocation for sanitary services has, however, been substantially increased in recent years and the ongoing sanitary services programmes include a significant number of schemes designed to provide and improve arrangements for the final disposal of sewage so as to ensure that such disposal will not seriously affect the environment. It is my intention that this policy will be continued until all locations at which serious pollution problems may be occurring, or where there is a danger that they might occur, are dealt with.
Does the Minister hold out any hope for the introduction of a special grant scheme?
We are spending a substantial amount of money and at the moment there is no proposal to change the system, which has been working very well.