Vol. 490 No. 7
187 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has fixed qualify objectives as required under EU Directive 76/464 for phosphates, phosphorous and other substances; if not, when he will do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11188/98]
I intend to make regulations shortly prescribing water quality standards for phosphorus. The standards will underpin my Department's catchment based strategy against eutrophication, "Managing Ireland's Rivers and Lakes" and the pollution control strategies of local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency aimed at maintaining the quality of waters currently in a satisfactory condition and restoring waters affected by pollution caused by phosphorus.
As regards standards for other substances covered by Directive 76/464/EEC concerning discharges to waters, the EPA recently completed a process of public consultation on a discussion document, prepared at my Department's request, on Environmental Quality Objectives and Environmental Quality Standards for the Aquatic Environment. Recommendations in this regard are now being finalised by the agency taking account of submissions received. It is my intention to set standards for other substances following receipt and consideration of the agency's recommendations.
