asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that Dublin Corporation have so far failed to get a satisfactory resolution of the environmental problem caused by the scattering of noxious dust from the premises of a fuel supply company (details supplied) in Dublin: and if he will ensure that the local authority will, without further delay, insist on the construction of screens and other devices which are necessary to prevent the continued pollution of the environment.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Noxious Dust.
2.
I understand that the corporation are in communication with the firm concerned with a view to eliminating the alleged nuisance. It is a matter for the local authority, or other parties affected, to decide whether legal action may be appropriate and feasible, if a satisfactory outcome cannot be obtained by other means.
Is the Minister aware that there is a conflict here? The firm in question have for many years been administering the free fuel scheme and general concern is expressed by a number of residents in the area that because of this the local authority and the Department, who have the ultimate responsibility, have been slow to move on this. Could the Minister give an undertaking to the House that he will raise the matter directly with the manager and ensure that it is pursued without delay?
I have already raised the matter with the corporation and they are pursuing it. I understand that there have been negotiations between the firm concerned and the corporation. Some alterations have been made on the site of the alleged nuisance. I would not like to go into it in greater detail because I understand there is a possibility of legal action and it would be inappropriate for me to involve myself at this stage.