Vol. 505 No. 6
17 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to reduce the level of phosphates in freshwater rivers and lakes following the publication of a recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency which indicates a continuing decline of water quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14446/99]
The recently published report on water quality in Ireland, 1995-97, concluded that the overall condition of Irish waters remains satisfactory and compares favourably with the position in other European countries. The report did, however, record further increases in the levels of eutrophication, due primarily to excessive inputs of phosphorus to rivers and lakes.
While sewage and industry are significant contributors to the overall phosphorus load to freshwaters, agriculture has been identified as the single biggest contributor to the eutrophication problem. Phosphorus losses from agriculture arise from inadequate waste management at farmyard level and from leaching and run-off from land, particularly following the spreading of slurries or the use of chemical fertilisers containing phosphorus.
Since 1997 my Department has been pursuing a comprehensive, integrated strategy to tackle all sources of eutrophication. This is already beginning to show evidence of some improvements in water quality. The strategy is underpinned by the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 (Water Quality Standards for Phosphorus) Regulations, 1998, which I made in July last year. The regulations set clear targets for reducing phosphorus levels in rivers and lakes within a ten year timeframe.
The strategy is being supported by the Department's major £1.5 billion programme of investment in sewage infrastructure facilities throughout the country in the ten year period to 2005. This programme lays particular emphasis on the provision of phosphorus reduction facilities where a need is indicated in this regard. My col league, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, has substantial initiatives under way to tackle phosphorus inputs from agriculture, including the rural environment protection scheme and the proposed new control of farm pollution scheme.
Following recent initiatives by the detergent industry, it is estimated that the phosphorous load from detergents will be reduced by about 50 per cent by mid 2000 with further reductions to follow thereafter. The strategy I am pursuing is designed to reduce phosphorus inputs from all sources. In this way, I am committed to achieving the improvements in water quality which are demanded by the phosphorus regulations.
Is the Minister of State aware that there is a continuing increase in slight and moderate pollution of rivers and streams? Is he further aware that, although up to recently the incidence of serious pollution in rivers and streams had been declining, it has now begun to increase again? Of 64 instances of serious pollution, 28 were due to sewage. Is the Minister of State aware that his colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, recently indicated in replies to questions in this House that the majority of smaller towns do not have water treatment plants? Does he agree that as long as that continues to be the case, there will be an unsatisfactory position with regard to our watercourses, increasing danger of serious pollution and a continuing trend of moderate pollution?
For approximately 30 years the issue of water quality was not addressed. The recent report by the EPA identified the problems which arose between 1994 and 1997. The Government has acted since then in many areas.
The catchment based strategy against eutrophication is being pursued. There is a major investment programme in upgrading sewerage treatment facilities throughout the country. The capital provision this year for the water services investment programme is £275 million, a 50 per cent increase on the provision last year and a 100 per cent increase on the provision for the year before. There are major catchment based initiatives in loughs Derg, Ree and Lene and the rivers Suir, Boyne and Liffey.
There are also the phosphorus regulations which I made in July last year. These provide for a target of no further deterioration in the quality of rivers and lakes. The EPA data for the period 1995 to 1997 will be used as a general benchmark for incremental improvements which must be achieved within a ten year timeframe. Two yearly reports will be provided by the EPA.
The Government is tackling this problem and I believe we will make progress under the strategy we have adopted.
Will the Minister give me a target date by which no further untreated sewage will be discharged into rivers and lakes? Will he also give me a target date, which should be earlier, by which all towns will be equipped with an effluent treatment plant?
I would be able to do that if I had a crystal ball.
Does the Minister not have a target date?
It is an ongoing process. We will spend £1.5 billion on this area between now and 2005.
He should give me a date by which no more untreated sewage will flow into rivers.
More resources than ever are being spent and the figure will be £275 million this year. We are addressing the problem.
He should give me a date by which no untreated sewage will flow into rivers.
I cannot. I would be brilliant if I could. Any of us would be if we could.
Has the Minister of State no ambitions?
The Minister of State without interruption.
The Deputy should be realistic in the questions he asks. He knows well we are making progress in the area. A timescale for investment has been set out between now and 2005. Resources are being invested where they are needed and in greater quantities than ever before. The Government is serious about dealing with pollution in a constructive manner.
When are we going to stop putting untreated sewage into rivers? Will he give me a date by which that will happen?
It is a pity the Opposition did not take action when it was in Government. It did not take any action when it had the power to do so. That is why we are in the situation we are in today.
Action is being taken twice as fast as when the Opposition was in Government.
