asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the recent reports from the Dublin Medical Officer to the Corporation of Dún Laoghaire concerning the bacteria levels of the sea-water at Blackrock, County Dublin and other parts of the bay adjoining the Dún Laoghaire Borough area; if he is concerned that the levels reported seem to be abnormally high in relation to EEC guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blackrock (Dublin) Sea-Water Pollution.
25.
I have not seen the reports referred to by the Deputy. I am, however, aware of the fact that sea-water in the Dún Laoghaire Borough area has been the subject of a continuous bacteriological monitoring programme by the Eastern Health Board for many years. I am informed that except in an isolated instance on 22 September 1980 the sampling reveals that the quality of these waters met the mandatory levels prescribed in the EEC Directive on the quality of bathing waters.
There are some shortcomings in the sewerage system of the Borough and an active re-examination of drainage proposals for the Dún Laoghaire/Blackrock area is in progress. In the Killiney area a major sewage improvement scheme at Shanganagh has been approved. It includes a 1.7km outfall which will discharge comminuted effluent much farther offshore and I have already approved tenders and loan finance for these works. The overflow of sewage which occurred at Salthill and which gave rise to many complaints has now been rectified.
Will the Minister try to bring forward the examination in the Blackrock-Dún Laoghaire-Salthill area in view of the fact that considerable progress has now been made in the Shanganagh outfall area and because there appears to be a very serious situation there?
I assure the Deputy that I will make every effort to bring it forward.