Roger T. Garland
Question:92 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if he will request the British Government to set up an independent body to monitor, on an on-going basis, a company (details supplied).
Written Answers. - Lough Foyle Chemical Spillage.
Roger T. Garland
Question:93 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to raise the issue of a company (details supplied) at the next meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference; if he will ascertain from the British Government, and the company in question, the protection which will be given to ensure that recent events will not recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, intends to raise the matter of the recent chemical spillage into Lough Foyle at the next meeting of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. While specific environmental control arrangements within their jurisdiction are a matter for the Northern Ireland authorities, the Minister for Foreign Affairs will seek a full report on the incident, including the delay in detecting and notifying it to the Northern Ireland authorities.
While there are already well-established relationships with the authorities in Northern Ireland on environmental matters generally, my Department and the Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland, are co-operating in a review of contact arrangements in the event of environmental incidents having cross-border implications. In addition, the relevant bodies are co-operating in the preparation of a water quality management plan for Lough Foyle and its catchment; this will entail examination of all activities impacting on water quality and water uses and investigation of potential sources of pollution.