asked the Minister for Local Government if he will ensure that an adequate contractual agreement concerning pollution will be entered into before the establishment of a smelter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Smelter Pollution Agreement.
81.
A smelter industry would require to be registered with my Department in accordance with the provisions of the Alkali etc. Works Regulations Act, 1906. As a pre-condition of registration the promoting interests would have to establish that effective precautions against air pollution were being provided. In addition the establishment of a smelter would require permission in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963. This is a matter for the planning authority concerned in the first instance and would only come before me on appeal from the decision of the planning authority.
Under the Smelting Act, 1968, the smelting of ore or ore concentrates requires a licence from the Minister for Industry and Commerce. Such a licence may include such conditions as the Minister for Industry and Commerce thinks proper and specifies in the licence.