asked the Minister for the Environment (a) the number of reported instances of pollution of our rivers and lakes to date this year; (b) the names of the polluters; and (c) the fines, if any, involved in each case.
Written Answers. - River and Lake Pollution.
171.
Statistics on the number of pollution incidents reported to, or investigated by local authorities, are compiled on an annual basis from returns submitted by local authorities. Figures are not available for the number of incidents to date this year.
The following tabular statement gives details in respect of water pollution incidents where local authorities have secured convictions this year. I do not consider that it would be appropriate to identify offenders in the House. In addition to the cases shown local authorities have initiated court proceedings this year in respect of a further 98 pollution incidents.
|
Local Authority County Council |
Number of convictions for Water Pollution offences under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 |
Fines imposed |
Local authorities expenses and costs awarded |
|
£ |
£ |
||
|
Cork |
4 |
50 |
150 |
|
100 |
170 |
||
|
100 |
250 |
||
|
100 |
250 |
||
|
Dublin |
1 |
Probation Act applied |
129 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
75 |
121 |
|
Limerick |
1 |
50 |
332.95 |
|
Meath |
2 |
50 |
355 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
50 |
232.50 |
|
100 |
83.86 |
||
|
Sligo |
1 |
100 |
268 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
2 |
10 |
200 |
|
50 |
|||
|
Wexford |
4 |
30 |
61 |
|
250 |
168.48 |
||
|
25 |
112.50 |
||
|
200 |
217.50 |
||
|
Dublin County Borough |
1 |
60 |
100 |
172.
asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the high level of pollution in the Blackwater river between Cappoquin, County Waterford and Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that the River Blackwater is monitored regularly and the two local authorities concerned, Cork County Council and Waterford County Council, are satisfied that the quality of the water in the reach referred to by the Deputy is satisfactory.