Vol. 448 No. 5
46 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment in view of the recent discoveries of the threat of toxic algal blooms in Irish freshwaters, the national measures, if any, he proposes which are not currently addressed by legislation, to ensure the protection of public health. [2364/95]
72 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, that are being taken to deal with the problem of Anatoxin A in lakes, including the provision of warning notices where appropriate. [2048/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 72 together.
The monitoring of waters, the investigation of incidents such as algal blooms, and the taking of measures to prevent and limit water pollution are primarily the responsibility of the local authority concerned.
My Department issued general advice in November 1993 to local authorities in relation to algal blooms which, inter alia, indicated action to be taken in order to protect public health and the environment. Particular attention was drawn to the protection of drinking water sources; this had been the subject of earlier detailed guidelines issued by my Department to local authorities in December 1992. Public information requirements were also emphasised in my Department's advice and guidelines to local authorities.
