Vol. 310 No. 3
asked the Minister for the Environment the present method of disposal of sewage in the Dublin area; if he is satisfied that it is hygenic and does not constitute a danger to public health, and that no health hazard is created for bathers, particularly at Dollymount, Dublin; and if he is satisfied that this method of sewage disposal is not a major contributory factor to the pollution of this popular resort.
12.
asked the Minister for the Environment if, having regard to the serious pollution caused by the sewage outfall works at Ringsend, Dublin, he will indicate the date by which the new treatment works will be operative; and the nature and extent of treatment of sewage which will be carried out at the new works, and the precise method of disposal.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
Sewage from the Dublin areas is disposed of by means of six sea outfalls: Howth Outfall—Sewage from Dublin norty city is discharged after screening via an outfall at Howth Head; Ringsend Outfall—Sewage from the centre and south city area is discharged here after treatment consisting of screening, grit removal and sedimentation; The Whitebanks Outfall—This discharges crude sewage on the ebb tide upstream of Poolbeg Lighthouse; West Pier Outfall, Dún Laoghaire—Crude sewage is discharged on the ebb tide; Bulloch Outfall, Dún Laoghaire—Screened sewage is discharged on the ebb tide; Shanganagh Outfall—Sewage is discharged via a sea outfall after screening and sedimentation.
Some local pollution is caused by the Whitebanks discharge but despite this the conditions in the bay are not ecologically harmful. This is confirmed by the Report on the Survey of Environmental Conditions in the Liffey Estuary and Dublin Bay of June 1976. The existing conditions do not constitute a danger to public health.
The bacterial levels of the coastal waters are within the limits prescribed in the EEC Directive on Bathing Water Quality Standards, except within the area enclosed by the Bull Wall and the South Wall. It is not considered that a danger to public health exists even from bathing in this area.
The purpose of the new treatment works at Ringsend is to allow for the growth in population and to pick up the untreated Whitebanks discharge. Treatment and disposal will be on similar lines to that already in operation for the existing works at Ringsend.
It is expected that the new treatment works will be fully operative in mid-1982 when the new main pumping station is due for completion.
Would the Minister agree that while bathers may not be in danger there is visible pollution which, to say the least, is unsightly and environmentally objectionable? Therefore, would he take some action to make conditions less hazardous in areas such as the area used by the Half Moon Swimming Club pending the operation of the new outfall works?
As I have stated, I am aware that there is a certain amount of pollution but I am advised that the level is not one that is harmful to bathers. Naturally, from the amenity point of view there is much objection to any pollution. However, I shall consider the matter further with a view to ascertaining what might be done.
