asked the Minister for the Marine the total estimated tonnage of chemical waste dumped in Irish waters for the last year for which figures are available; if he intends to take any measures to have this dumping ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chemical Waste Dumping in Irish Waters.
72.
In 1987 — the latest year for which complete figures are available — the total amount of industrial waste dumped in Irish waters was 638,730 tonnes. My Department controls dumping at sea operations by means of permits under the Dumping at Sea Act, 1981. Dumping is only allowed where this option is considered environmentally acceptable and is the only practical solution available for dispensing of the materials involved which are non-toxic. In the case of industrial waste every application to dump at sea must give details of the consideration given to the alternative methods of disposal and each dump site is monitored to ensure that there are no harmful effects on the marine environment.
At present one company has been granted a permit by me under the Dumping at Sea Act, 1981, to dump industrial wastes off the south coast. I am satisfied with the results of monitoring to date on the wastes involved.
I will continue to deal with all applications for dumping permits on the merits on a case by case basis. Nonetheless I would like to see an end to sea dumping at the earliest achievable date and I have indicated this to industry. We must make sure, however, that any alternative does not affect the environment to a worse degree.