asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that suggestions that the massive algae bloom which, for weeks in June 1988 killed millions of marine animals and threatened to wipe out such life along the coast of Scandinavia, could become a feature of the Irish coastline if plans to dump millions of tonnes of sewage in the Atlantic go ahead; and if he will outline the Government's thinking in this respect.
Written Answers. - Sewage Waste Disposal.
25.
My Department is not aware of any current proposals to dump sewage waste in the Atlantic.
In 1987 and 1988 two proposals from British companies to dump sewage in the Atlantic were discussed by officials of both my Department and British officials. No application was received in one case and the other application was turned down.
I will continue to deal with all applications for dumping permits on a case by case basis. Permits are issued only where there will be no serious harm to the marine environment, and where there is no alternative practical means of disposal. I will ensure that the interests of our fishery resource and our marine environment generally will be fully protected. I would like to see an end of sea dumping at the earliest achievable date and I have indicated this to industry.