Vol. 406 No. 4
126 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that (1) the present regulations and procedures regarding the treatment and disposal of raw sewage and (2) the relevant EC regulations, are being adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Guidelines from my Department regarding the operation and maintenance of sewage treatment and disposal plants are in place and sanitary authorities are required to observe them.
Sewage effluent standards are envisaged in the draft EC Directive on municipal waste water, now under negotiation, and in section 58 of the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 1990. The latter provides also for criteria and procedures to be specified by the new agency for the purposes of environmental protection in relation to the management, maintenance, supervision, operation and use of sewage plants.
I consider that this combination of existing and prospective guidelines and standards, together with expanded investment in sewage treatment under the environmental action programme will ensure the satisfactory treatment and disposal of all significant sewage discharges.
127 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself with the present arrangement for the treatment and disposal of raw sewage from (1) Dublin Bay and (2) Dún Laoghaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A large proportion of Dublin's effluent is discharged to Dublin Bay following primary treatment at Ringsend or preliminary treatment at Dún Laoghaire. Sewage is also discharged, following preliminary treatment, off the Head of Howth.
A major scheme to divert effluent from Dún Laoghaire is currently under construction and the initial phase of pumping the effluent via a submarine pipeline to Ringsend is due for completion in the coming months. The planning of the remaining contracts for the Bulloch and Coliemore areas are at an advanced stage.
In accordance with the Government's environment action programme and in anticipation of the EC Municipal Waste Water Directive I have approved briefs for consultants to prepare preliminary reports for secondary, and higher treatment if necessary, together with sludge management and disposal arrangements at Ringsend. Dublin Corporation have been instructed to develop suitable proposals at the earliest possible date.
Details of the improved treatment works and disposal arrangements proposed for the Howth discharge are set out in the reply to Question No. 20 of 7 March 1991.
These schemes when completed will significantly improve the quality of water in Dublin Bay.
