Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 2

Written Answers. - Dumping at Sea.

Michael Joe Cosgrave

Question:

95 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the action, if any, he will take to have the serious and ongoing problem of pollution curbed in the coastal area of Howth and Sutton where general dumping from the sea is presently on the beaches, particularly from St. Fintan's Church in Sutton to Red Rock on Strand Road; the further action, if any, he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7294/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

It is a matter for Fingal County Council to deal with pollution on beaches in its functional area, including the identification and prosecution of offenders.

As regards control of pollution from vessels at sea, the IMO Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships provides a legal base for appropriate intervention by public authorities to prevent and control the discharge and dumping of waste material. In 1997 four sets of regulations were made under the Sea Pollution Act, 1991, to give effect to the provisions of MARPOL. Work is under way to adopt further provisions of MAR POL concerning the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships and the prevention of air pollution from ships.