Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dumping at Sea.

Ivor Callely

Question:

73 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine if he intends to renew Dublin Corporations's annual permit under the Dumping at Sea Act, 1981 to allow the dumping of sewerage sludge at sea up to 1998; the estimated total amount of tonnes of sewerage sludge which may be dumped up to 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11565/95]

Ivor Callely

Question:

74 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine the estimated environmental impact which is associated with sewerage sludge dumpsites; the effect, if any, on marine life; the levels of localised pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11566/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.

The only authorised dumping of sewage sludge a sea in Ireland is that which is done by Dublin Corporation. The dumpsite is located some 14 miles south-east of the Kish lighthouse.

Subject to Dublin Corporation continuing to meet the terms of its licence under the Dumping at Sea Act, 1981, its annual permit would be renewed for the years 1996, 1997 and 1998. The estimated total amount of sludge to be dumped would be subject to a maximum of 340,000 tonnes for each of the years 1996, 1997 and 1998.

As stated in a written reply of 18 May to the Deputy's parliamentary question on the subject, monitoring of the status of the dumpsite used by Dublin Corporation was carried out by staff of the Fisheries Research Centre of the Department in 1993. The dumpsite is dispersive in nature and the monitoring revealed that there was no significant impact on the sediment or water quality in the area with no evidence of the buildup of sludge material on the sea floor.