Vol. 452 No. 2
9 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to concerns at the level of pollution in Cork harbour; the proposals, if any, he has for continuous monitoring of water quality in the harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7770/95]
The report on water quality in Cork harbour published by the Environmental Research Unit in 1990 concluded that the greater part of the waters of Cork harbour were not, or were only slightly, affected by pollution. The area of significant degradation was stated to be localised and attributable mainly to the discharge of untreated sewage from Cork city. This problem is now being addressed by the proposals being advanced by Cork Corporation for the improvement of urban waste water treatment and disposal facilities for the city.
Extensive monitoring of sewage and industrial discharges to Cork harbour already takes place. Monitoring requirements have recently been reinforced by new obligations in relation to sewage discharges imposed by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, 1994 and by the issue of a number of Environmental Protection Agency licences.
It would be a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency, in the context of the environmental monitoring programme which it is now preparing, to specify the nature and extent of any further monitoring which it considers appropriate.
Cork harbour is a sensitive area in relation to the chemical industry. I agree with the Minister that the greater part of the pollution in Cork harbour is from the discharge of untreated sewage. The waste water treatment plan is unresolved and is with An Bord Pleanála. Fears persist in relation to water quality in the harbour because the people feel that an insufficient base line study has been done in the area. Because of new firms setting up in the area and the accident which occurred last year fears persist. It is essential that a comprehensive base line study——
I must dissuade the Deputy from making a speech. Questions please, Deputy.
Will the Minister put in place the mechanism for a more comprehensive base line study before the waste water treatment plan or new industries come on stream?
I wish to make three points. The analysis which has taken place — the ERU report — pointed out that the bulk of the waste discharges into the harbour are non-toxic, biodegradable organic matter. I am not suggesting that we be complacent but in terms of overall harbour systems it is one of the better ones. We are driving ahead and we should not be alarmist about the water quality which is extremely good by most comparisons but we can do better. In relation to the source of pollution that is most readily identified, untreated sewage effluent, I am hopeful that it can be addressed with the new treatment works. I am precluded by law from commenting on the appeal being determined by An Bord Pleanála. I hope a solution is found in order that we can go ahead speedily with an important treatment plant, wherever it is located. Manufacturing industries in Cork harbour will shortly be subject to the licensing requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Environmental Protection Agency has strengthened its monitoring, and I am satisfied in regard not only to Cork but the country generally that we will have a great improvement in the knowledge base about any discharges from industries. As part of the general environmental initiative to be undertaken this year, I am also considering the requirement for an inventory of every toxic source in the country and a public register of any toxins that might be emitted to water sources or to the air.
I am glad we are moving forward in regard to monitoring and treating our waters. Will the Minister consider liaising with the Minister for the Marine about the shipment of dangerous chemicals because Cork harbour, as an active working port, has a great deal of such traffic within such monitoring?
Any potential source of pollution is of concern to me. Monitoring of the water and the harbour systems will be ongoing. If any transportation is identified as a potential source of pollution I will take the required measures to ensure that the harbour is kept in pristine condition.
