Noel Dempsey
Question:24 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that the relevant local authorities are co-operating with the inquiry into water pollution at Nenagh, County Tipperary. [1789/97]
Priority Questions - Water Pollution Inquiry.
I take it that the question relates to the further investigation now being undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency, following my request in October 1996, into the nature and extent of the groundwater contamination and the need for a hydrogeological survey of the Nenagh area. As the Deputy will be aware, the Environmental Protection Agency furnished the report on the contamination of the Gortlandroe Well, Nenagh, in September of last year.
I understand from the Environmental Protection Agency that in relation to the further investigation I required it immediately commenced detailed and comprehensive work which required considerable time and resources and that it is currently evaluating the results and has commenced the preparation of its report. I understand that the report will be completed and submitted to me during February. I also understand that Tipperary North Riding County Council and Nenagh Urban District Council co-operated extensively with and assisted the agency in its work and investigations.
This issue was serious last summer and will remain so until it is clarified. The Environmental Protection Agency undertook its investigation and prepared an interim report, but it was also due to complete further reports. From information I received from local sources I understand that the two local authorities concerned were less than co-operative with the Environmental Protection Agency. My concern and I am sure that of the Minister in this matter is that there is danger of the Environmental Protection Agency, a body which I and the Minister hold in high regard, coming into public disrepute because of non co-operation or slowness to co-operate on the part of the local authorities concerned. To my knowledge the local authorities were very slow to come forward with the information.
Questions, please.
Will the Minister ask his officials to make it clear to the local authorities that it is his view and that of the Members of this House that there should be full co-operation and a speedy reply should be forthcoming at all times?
I strongly share the Deputy's view but I have received no report from the Environmental Protection Agency that there was anything but full co-operation from both local authorities. On publication of the initial report I asked for a full investigation which commenced on 21 October. This included the commission of special ordnance surveys of the region; research and review of geological and hydrogeological information for the region; preparation of a brief for specialist hydrogeological consultants to report on the ground water of the region generally; a field survey to identify suitable borehole sampling locations within a 20 kilometre grid square centred on Gortlandroe; an international database and literature search on the chemical substance OMCT Siloxane, the substance detected in the water. The Environmental Protection Agency reviewed all of the metrological data for the region. There was liaison with Tipperary North Riding County Council and Nenagh Urban District Council on the information in their possession while 20 sampling locations within the 20 kilometre grid were investigated. The information is now available and the report has been drawn up. I am not aware of any information required by the Environmental Protection Agency which was not forthcoming. I look forward to receiving the report which I will make available as it should be a public document. I understand the Environmental Protection Agency has instigated legal proceedings against Proctor and Gamble and the case will be heard shortly in the District Court.
Is the Minister aware that some information is outstanding from Tipperary North Riding County Council and Nenagh Urban District Council? I understand it is not necessary to complete the case being taken by the Environmental Protection Agency. Have the recommendations of the preliminary report been implemented? It recommended that all local authorities should carry out a risk assessment of ground water. Nenagh Urban District Council was also asked to undertake a chemical tracing study. Have these been completed?
I would welcome any data the Deputy might have about information the Environmental Protection Agency needs. As he is aware, I requested all local authorities to carry out their own survey. I understand these have been carried out. While the temporary scheme is working well, the Deputy will be glad to know that the Nenagh regional water supply scheme which I decided to fast track at a cost of £11 million will commence next month. That is a positive and welcome development for the people of the town who suffered last summer. I have instructed all local authorities to give priority to water supply schemes in close proximity to an industrial process.