asked the Minister for the Environment the frequency of water quality analysis carried out in Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Water Quality Analysis.
59.
In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, it is primarily a matter for local authorities to determine and implement the water quality monitoring programmes necessary for the performance of any of their pollution control functions under the Act. In the case of Dublin Bay, it is a matter for Dublin Corporation, Dublin County Council and Dún Laoghaire Corporation to draw up and implement appropriate monitoring arrangements.
The European Communities (Quality of Bathing Water) Regulations, 1988, prescribe bathing water quality standards, the bathing areas to which they apply (which include Dollymount) and the sampling programmes to be used by local authorities to determine compliance with the standards. Under these regulations, Dublin Corporation is responsible for monitoring at Dollymount and is required to conduct sampling from mid-May until the end of August. The normal requirement in relation to frequency of sampling is that monitoring should be conducted at fortnightly intervals during this period.