Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 4

Written Answers. - Foreshore Licences.

Austin Deasy

Question:

151 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in granting a foreshore licence to Waterford County Council for the provision of a sewerage scheme at Cheekpoint, County Waterford; when he expects to be in a position to issue same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7641/01]

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

The Deputy will no doubt recall the response that I gave to his earlier questions on 28 June, Question No. 80, and 23 November last, Question No. 15. The position is unchanged.

I should stress, however, that because of the proximity of commercial mussel beds and the risk to human health of viral contamination from sewage receiving only secondary treatment I will have to insist, as a minimum, on provision for retrofitting of UV or equivalent treatment. This would ensure that, if monitoring of the operation of the plant and the impact of the discharge on mussels warranted it, the necessary works to upgrade the plant could be expeditiously undertaken at reasonable cost. Until the council indicates that it is prepared to accept this condition I cannot, in the interests of human health, progress the matter further. The polluter pays principle must apply here and, in addition to the health issues, I also have to consider the impact on the livelihoods of the fishermen.