I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 31 and 56 together.
Arising from its national groundwater monitoring programme the EPA identified the presence of elevated levels of uranium 238 in groundwater samples taken in County Wicklow, near Baltinglass. Information in this regard was contained in a letter of 9 October 2002, copied to my Department, from the EPA to Wicklow County Council which was advised to consult with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland in the matter. Advice and assistance is also being provided by the Geological Survey of Ireland and by the relevant health authorities.
A standard for uranium in drinking water has not yet been established by the European Union or nationally and, accordingly, the relevant national drinking water regulations do not prescribe such a standard and monitoring for uranium is not routinely carried out. In these circumstances, the South-Western Area Health Board have advised Wicklow County Council that it would be reasonable to use as a guide the current limit of 20 micrograms per litre recommended by the United States EPA. I understand this limit is to be revised to 30 micrograms per litre in 2003. The new EU Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) provides for monitoring for radioactivity but the methods of monitoring and the list of radioactive parameters have yet to be finalised. When finalised the directive will be revised and the relevant Irish legislation will be amended accordingly.
Following consultation with the RPII and the South-Western Area Health Board, Wicklow County Council decided on a precautionary basis to discontinue sourcing drinking water from one of the wells serving the Baltinglass public water supply. My Department was advised of this on 13 November 2002, following subsequent consultations carried out by the council, including with the Geological Survey of Ireland. The Baltinglass supply continues in operation at reduced capacity served by other sources. The levels of uranium in the supply now in use are being monitored and are within the recommended limit of 20 micrograms per litre. Sampling and analysis of other public supplies has been undertaken by Wicklow County Council and preliminary results are that all other public supplies in the county are within the recommended limit.
The EPA has been in communication with other local authorities in areas where there is a possibility of elevated levels of uranium and testing is being carried out in these areas. In addition, a circular letter was issued to all local authorities by my Department on 25 November 2002 with information on procedures for monitoring for the presence of uranium in drinking water supplies and measures to be taken.