Water Pollution

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (712)

Seán Haughey

Question:

712. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has received reports in recent years regarding the discovery of taprogge balls on Dollymount beach, Clontarf and on other Irish beaches which originated from the Hartlepool nuclear power station; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these taprogge balls have become imbedded in sand dunes; if measures will be taken to prevent this problem occurring in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15459/21]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department has not received any report of taprogge balls found on Dollymount beach, Clontarf or other Irish beaches in recent years although it is aware of the reports that appeared in the press last weekend. These reports indicated that the individual who found them reported the matter to the relevant local authority and the Environmental Protection Agency. This is the correct thing to do if you find items on the beach and are concerned they may be harmful to human health or the environment.

My Department leads the implementation of a programme of measures, as required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), to maintain or achieve good environmental status in our marine environment across a range of criteria, including marine litter. It incorporates waste and litter control measures, education and awareness raising measures, and coastal clean up actions. A formal review of Ireland's MSFD Programme of Measures will be commenced later this year.