asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is aware that, despite the successful efforts of Dublin Corporation to clean Sandymount Strand on Sunday, 14th June, within 48 hours the strand was extensively polluted with rubbish from the dump near the Pigeon House and that this pollution occurred because of the failure of the Dublin Port and Docks Board to fulfil their undertaking to build a solid wall to contain this refuse; and whether he will take immediate steps to require the board without delay to complete this wall.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sandymount Strand (Dublin) Pollution.
13.
The dumping in question is being carried on with my consent under section 13 of the Foreshore Act, 1933, subject to strict conditions to ensure containment of dumped materials. I have satisfied myself that the Dublin Port and Docks Board have fully complied with these conditions and I am informed by Dublin Corporation that the board have provided to their satisfaction the retaining embankment prescribed by me.
Dublin Corporation have also informed me that in their opinion the pollution referred to by the Deputy did not emanate from this dump.
Is the Minister aware that Dublin Corporation went to enormous trouble and some expense to clean this strand on Saturday week and that the following day the entire strand was polluted by rubbish from the dump?
I am aware of this, but even despite the intimate knowledge of the problem displayed by Dublin Corporation, they are quite satisfied that the pollution did not emanate from this dump. This is what their technical people tell me.
The extent of the pollution suggests it would be rather difficult to be the result of people dropping refuse on the strand. Could the Minister tell me if the retaining wall has been completed? It is my understanding that it has been only partially completed and the dumping now extends beyond the retaining wall. That is where the problem arises, the failure of the Dublin Port and Docks Board to complete the wall.
Dublin Corporation have told me that the board, to their satisfaction, have provided the retaining embankment.
Has the Minister satisfied himself that the Dublin Port and Docks Board have carried out their undertaking? I am not interested in Dublin Corporation. I am asking the Minister the question.
I am satisfied that all the conditions laid down under section 13 of the Foreshore Act, 1933, have been complied with by the Dublin Port and Docks Board. In addition, Dublin Corporation have informed me that the actual work has been carried out in accordance with these conditions. Therefore, from the information furnished to me by Dublin Corporation, the issue does not lie any longer with the Dublin Port and Docks Board.
Is the Minister satisfied the wall has been completed right around the dump?
I have been informed by the Dublin Corporation——
Never mind Dublin Corporation. I am asking the Minister the question.
Under the conditions prescribed in section 13 of the Act——
The Minister is responsible.
As long as Dublin Corporation satisfy me that the foreshore regulations are being carried out, that the proper embankments are constructed, and that pollution is avoided by appropriate measures being undertaken, that is as far as I can go. I cannot start an investigation into Dublin Corporation. That is not my business.
Did the other Fianna Fáil Party not abolish the Dublin Corporation?
Does the Minister not accept responsibility——
The Deputy has been allowed four supplementaries on this question. There are 94 questions on the Order Paper which I should like to see dealt with.
If you saw the strand, a Cheann Comhairle, you would not think it too many.
It has been polluted by the fall-out from the Fianna Fáil meeting.