Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 1

Written Answers. - Coastal Protection.

Seán Ryan

Question:

17 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his proposals for the implementation of the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government to significantly increase the number of blue flag beaches, given that a number of beaches lost their flags in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17361/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

The total of 79 blue flags awarded to 75 beaches and four marinas in 2002 maintains the high number of blue flags awarded to these areas in 2001. The loss of blue flags at three beaches in 2002 was balanced by the award or restoration of blue flags at three other beaches.

The blue flag scheme is operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, FEE, a non-governmental organisation, and is administered in Ireland by An Taisce. The awarding or withdrawal of a blue flag is decided by FEE. My Department provides grant-aid to An Taisce as a contribution towards the administration expenses of the blue flag scheme in Ireland and we are in consultation with An Taisce in the context of identifying the options and measures required for increasing the number of blue flags awarded to areas in Ireland.

My Department's updated programme for investment in water services in 2002 to 2004 relates to 380 waste water schemes with an estimated capital value of €2.6 billion, including all of the schemes needed for compliance with the requirements of the urban waste water treatment directive. Major schemes are well advanced in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Wexford and Sligo, among others. These schemes will all have a significant positive effect on the quality of bath ing waters in the surrounding areas, their associated designated bathing areas and, consequently, on the number of blue flags likely to be awarded. The ongoing Cork scheme, for example, will eliminate more than 70 untreated sewage discharges to the River Lee and provide secondary treatment for the city and environs. This scheme is expected to restore good quality to the Lee Estuary which is currently assessed as eutrophic.

The Dublin Bay project, the largest ever waste water treatment scheme in Ireland and the biggest currently under construction in the European Union, is due to be fully operational by the end of this year. It will provide tertiary waste water treatment for the entire city and much of the surrounding region and will potentially allow Dublin City to achieve the distinction of becoming the only capital in Europe with its own blue flag beach.