Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hospital Incinerators Monitoring.

Bernard Allen

Question:

294 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to introduce regulations under the Air Pollution Act, 1987 in order to enable local authorities to monitor hospital incinerators and other such facilities arising from the fact that Cork Corporation have stated that, due to the absence of regulations, they cannot monitor hospital incinerators in the Cork area.

Bernard Allen

Question:

295 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the situation whereby local authorities are prevented from monitoring emissions from hospital incinerators because of the inadequacy of the regulations made under the Air Pollution Act, 1987.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.

Local authorities have powers under section 54 of the Air Pollution Act, 1987 to carry out such monitoring of air quality and of the nature, extent and effects of emissions as they consider necessary for the performance of their functions under the Act.