asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to pollution being caused by the emission of smoke from the incinerator at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8; that many bronchial sufferers in the vicinity have their condition greatly aggravated by this pollution and the many homes in the vicinity are constantly infiltrated by this pollution; and the action he proposes to take with the authorities of St. James's Hospital in the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Hospital Smoke Emission.
153.
I have contacted the authorities at St. James's Hospital about this problem.
I am informed that the emission has resulted from the incinerator at present in use at St. James's Hospital which was installed in 1969 and is a manually operated machine. Smoke emission can occur if the operator fails to get the mix of material correct when operating the machine. A new machine has now been installed and is at present undergoing testing and commissioning and it is expected that the new plant will be operational in early May.
In the interim the hospital have stated that they will endeavour to keep smoke emission to a minimum. Any aggravation caused by this emission to people in the area is regretted by the hospital authorities.