Vol. 247 No. 4
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has considered the views recently expressed by 12 Dublin doctors regarding the sewage contamination of Dublin Bay; and if he will now take all steps necessary, including the introduction of legislation, to stop the contamination of Dublin Bay by sewage.
65.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the now acknowledged pollution problem in Dublin Bay; and whether any new sewerage disposal method is under consideration.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
It is a matter for the sanitary authorities concerned to ensure that pollution in Dublin Bay does not reach an objectionable level. My Department have been in close touch with the sanitary authorities concerned and discussions are taking place between these authorities, their consultants and technical officers of my Department.
Major works which are contemplated to meet the increased population demands and to reduce any pollution that may occur include the laying of the new Dodder Valley sewer now in progress, and the south and west Dublin drainage scheme at planning stage, to be followed by a new outfall works at the South Wall. These schemes are estimated to cost about £9½ million.
To deal with the situation on the south-eastern side of the bay it is proposed to carry out improvements to the existing tank and outfall at the West Pier Dún Laoghaire and the main interceptor sewer from Balckrock.
Preliminary arrangements are being made to have a full scale monitoring procedure adopted to establish the degree of pollution and to identify the source of any pollution that is found.
At the moment I cannot see how the position would be improved by legislation, but if legislation is necessary I will not hesitate to introduce it. While it will be appreciated that the construction of the works and the carrying out of the studies I have mentioned will take some time, I would like to assure the House that my Department are fully conscious of the importance of ensuring that any pollution that occurs is reduced to a minimum and are satisfied that the measures now contemplated will achieve that object.
