Vol. 522 No. 4
21 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consult with the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation regarding the necessity to provide sewerage treatment plants in tourist resorts around the country in view of the fact that many have lost their blue flag status because of raw sewage being ejected onto the beaches and seafronts. [18570/00]
The recently published report by the European Commission on bathing water quality in 1999 indicates significant improvements compared to 1998. Some 98.3% of our bathing sites complied with the mandatory values laid down in the bathing water directive, with 100% compliance in respect of our inland sites. The report also confirms that, generally, Irish beaches and lakes are amongst the cleanest in Europe.
The position in relation to the blue flag scheme is that other criteria, in addition to water quality, are used for award purposes. These include such matters as the presence of public information notices, environmental education activities, ease of access, provision of litter bins, first aid and public toilet facilities.
Eleven beaches lost their blue flag status in 2000, while the net decrease in the number of flags awarded was six. Most, seven, were lost either through authorities not meeting the criteria for beach management or other factors such as non point source pollution caused by adverse weather conditions. I have no function in relation to the awarding of blue flags or the determination of the criteria for their award. The scheme is operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe, and administered in Ireland by An Taisce.
As regards investment in water and sewerage services, the national development plan contains provision for expenditure on water services amounting to £2.9 billion in the period 2000 to 2006. This represents an almost threefold increase in capital spending by comparison to the 1994 – 1999 outturn. Over £1.1 billion of this figure will be allocated to wastewater measures.
