Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 9

Written Answers. - Dublin Bay Treatment Works.

Ivor Callely

Question:

110 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the amount which has been allocated to address the problem of the unacceptably polluted waters of Dublin Bay; the amount which has been sought from or approved by the EC to improve water quality in the bay area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

The environment action programme stated the Government's decision to eliminate untreated discharges of sewage from major coastal towns by the year 2000 at a cost of up to £400 million. A significant proportion of this investment will relate to Dublin Bay; relevant measures identified in the action programme and currently being planned are the provision of secondary treatment at Ringsend sewage treatment works, the ending of sewage sludge dumping by Dublin Corporation and the development of alternative sludge disposal arrangements.

The operational programme: water, sanitary and other local services, 1989-1993, contains an indicative list of sewerage projects to be co-financed by the EC in that period. The present estimated value of projects on this list which relate to Dublin Bay is some £65 million.

Already the discharge of untreated effluent from the Dún Laoghaire outfall has been discontinued following the commissioning of the pumping station and submarine pipeline elements of the Dún Laoghaire main drainage scheme. Water quality in this area of the bay has significantly improved as a result. Proposals are at an advanced stage to discontinue the discharges from the Bulloch and Coliemore areas. To date grants totalling £11.8 million have been approved and allocated to the Dún Laoghaire scheme for co-financing at a rate of 50 per cent by the EC.

In addition, consultants have been appointed by Dublin Corporation to plan improved treatment works and disposal arrangements for Howth.