Bernard J. Durkan
Question:593 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent of ground water pollution and the regions or areas affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2021/00]
Vol. 513 No. 1
593 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent of ground water pollution and the regions or areas affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2021/00]
The report Water Quality in Ireland 1995-1997, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency in May 1999, contains the most recent and comprehensive data available in relation to the quality of Irish waters generally, including groundwaters. It includes an assessment of groundwater quality by reference to a selection of parameters including ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, chloride, phosphate, iron, manganese, total and faecal coliforms, pesticides and other toxic contaminants. While the report indicates that groundwaters are generally of high quality it also identifies localised problems due, for example, to bacteriological contamination and elevated nitrate values. Reference should be made to the report, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, as to the location of sampling stations and the monitoring levels recorded for individual parameters in different areas.
Statutory responsibility for water management and protection, including responsibility for monitoring water quality, rests primarily with local authorities. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of databases of information related to the environment for the preparation and implementation of environmental monitoring programmes. The functions of the agency in this regard include supervision of the performance of statutory environmental functions by local authorities. Data on groundwater resources, including the mapping and characterisation of aquifers and quality aspects, are also maintained by the Geological Survey of Ireland.