Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 5

Written Answers. - Environmental Quality Objectives.

Robert Molloy

Question:

65 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Environment the action, if any, which is pending by the EU Commission in view of the delay by Ireland in adopting quality objectives as required under Article 7 of Directive 76/464/EEC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11502/97]

Robert Molloy

Question:

66 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Environment if it is proposed to adopt quality objectives for water under Article 7 of Directive 76/464/EEC; the reason for the delay in taking action in this matter to date, particularly in relation to the Western lakes, Lough Conn, Lough Cullen, Lough Mask and Lough Corrib; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11503/97]

Robert Molloy

Question:

67 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the fact that eutrophication, mainly from phosphorous in-puts, poses the greatest pollution threat to our lakes and rivers; the steps, if any, he proposes to take to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11504/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 66 and 67 together.

The provision of Directive 76/464/EEC in relation to the establishment of environmental quality objectives have proven problematic across the EU. Consequently, there are few, if any, instances of environmental quality objectives for particular substances being adopted by member states in the manner envisaged by the directive. Nonetheless, as indicated in the recently published Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland, the Government is committed to making new regulations in 1997 under the Water Pollution Acts setting out water quality standards for a range of polluting substances, including phosphorus.

Work on the setting of water quality objectives for phosphorus is well advanced within my Department. Proposals in this regard have been circulated to other Departments with a view to finalising the regulations shortly. The establishment of quality objectives for phosphorus will complement the comprehensive range of actions already being pursued to deal with the pollution of rivers and lakes by this substance. Details of the actions concerned are outlined in the reply to Question No. 12 of 25 February 1997.

As regards the setting of quality objectives for other substances covered by Directive 76/464/EEC, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently completing work on a consultation document which will be published shortly. The agency will then finalise its recommendations taking account of comments received and submit these for my consideration.