asked the Minister for Local Government if he is satisfied that existing legislation is adequate for the control of air, soil and water environmental pollution; and, if not, when the introduction of legislation to deal with this problem may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Pollution.
21.
As regards air pollution I am satisfied that the existing legislation for control is adequate.
As I indicated in reply to a number of recent questions on the subject of water pollution, An Foras Forbartha, at my request, has set up a water resources division, which will investigate all aspects of water pollution. It is only when the results of these investigations are available that a decision can be taken as to the appropriate measures to deal with the problem, including the introduction of new legislation should such be required.
I have no function in relation to the control of soil pollution.
22.
asked the Minister for Local Government the names of the voluntary bodies that measure air pollution in Dublin.
The bodies co-operating voluntarily with my Department in measuring air pollution in Dublin are Dublin Corporation, Messrs. Arthur Guinness Son & Co. (Dublin) Ltd., Baggot Street Hospital, and the Electricity Supply Board.
23.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the levels of air pollution which have been reached in any section of the city of Dublin to date.
The highest level of smoke pollution in Dublin since recording stations were established in 1960 was recorded at the Cornmarket in 1963 when a reading of 1,696 microgrammes per cubic metre for smoke was recorded on 24th January. The highest reading for sulphur dioxide was 765 recorded on 25th January, 1968, also at the Cornmarket.
The highest levels of air pollution noted so far in 1969 were 456 microgrammes per cubic metre for smoke, recorded at Baggot Street Hospital on 5th and 6th January, and 348 microgrammes per cubic metre for sulphur dioxide, recorded at the Cornmarket on 17th January.