asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that facilities for the dumping of industrial effluent are provided for a company (details supplied) in County Waterford because of the threat to 1,000 jobs in the company's plants at Dungarvan, Portlaw and Carrick-on-Suir, as reported in the media, in the event of their present site being closed by local action.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dumping of Industrial Effluent.
11.
It is primarily the responsibility of the waste producer to see that the waste is disposed of by acceptable means. Local authorities have been urged to do all they can to ensure that waste disposed of in their areas is disposed of without causing environmental harm or nuisance.
I understand that planning permission has been granted by An Bord Pleanála for the use of a quarry in County Tipperary for the disposal of waste arising from the company's industrial processes. The permission was granted subject to stringent conditions including the condition that the use should cease after 12 months from 23 February 1981 unless before that time permission was obtained to continue. The permission granted by An Bord Pleanála followed the appeal of a third party against a decision by Tipperary South Riding County Council to grant permission, also subject to stringent conditions for the proposal.
Other conditions relate to controls on the discharge of waste on the site, and to the management of the site, including the control of leachate, provision of protective fencing and monitoring of the effects of the operation. The permission provides for the disposal to cease in the event of the adjoining river being affected prejudicially, and for any serious odour conditions affecting the area to be remedied. The use of the site in line with the conditions laid down has been determined in accordance with due process and following consideration of the objections. I am not in a position to give any assurance about an alternative disposal site.
Has the Minister seen the newspaper reports referred to and has he any comments on them?
I have seen them.
Does the Minister take seriously the threat of the closure of the factory if the dumping facility is interfered with?
I do not see any reason why the dumping facilities should be interfered with, because stringent conditions have been laid down as regards dumping. I am quite satisfied with the decision of the council, in the first instance, and of An Bord Pleanála.
We are all satisfied, but is there not an inherent threat that local action might result in the factory being closed down?
I am not responsible for local action and the effect it might have on the industry. I cannot see the reason for local action. The people should be satisfied with what is laid down.
I agree, but this may not save the industry.