Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 9

Written Answers. - Elimination of Untreated Effluent Discharges.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

258 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the programme that has been prepared by the Government to comply with its declaration of intent to ensure that there will be an elimination of untreated discharges of sewage from major coastal towns by the year 2000, as set out in the environmental action programme; and if he will make a statement in relation to the steps that are proposed to be taken each year between now and 1999.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

Following the publication of the environment action programme in January, my Department informed all coastal local authorities of the Government's commitment to eliminate the discharge of untreated effluent from major coastal towns. Local authorities were asked to carry out an appraisal of the situation in their areas of the basis of which detailed programmes would be prepared to end such discharges. A number of authorities have yet to complete these appraisals; when all of them are received, a detailed programme will be developed.

Action has, however, been taken in a number of locations. I have notified the authorities in Dublin, Cork and Galway that proposals based on the provision of full secondary treatment are to be developed as a matter of urgency. I have recently announced that full secondary treatment is also to be provided at Wexford and Greystones and that proposals based on this level of treatment are to be developed. In anticipation of this, I have also authorised the authorities concerned to seek tenders for the provision of new sewer networks in both towns with a view to commencing work in the current year.