Vol. 381 No. 8
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the number of towns which have a sewage treatment plant in operation; the amount of raw sewage which is discharged into the seas of Ireland; and the plans, if any, there are to ensure that all coastal towns have such a treatment plant in operation.
181.
asked the Minister for the Environment the number of local authorities discharging untreated sewage into rivers and seas; the total amounts of such sewage in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take questions Nos. 18 and 181 together. Information in the form requested is not available. However, I would refer the Deputies to the Review of Water Pollution in Ireland, prepared in 1983 by An Foras Forbartha for the Water Pollution Advisory Council, and which contains a schedule of the domestic waste loads discharged to rivers and seas.
It is a matter for individual local authorities, in the first instance, to ensure that discharges of wastes and sewage effluent do not cause pollution and that appropriate steps are taken to remedy any defects in treatment and disposal systems. I have asked local authorities to identify those rivers and lakes that are affected by such pollution and to formulate proposals to deal with them. In addition, I have also asked local authorities to examine their existing sewage disposal systems and to ensure that they are operating effectively and are meeting design standards. I intend also that investment in the provision of new and improved sewage treatment facilities should be maintained at a high level.
