asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that a degree of pollution at Dollymount Strand, Dublin, recently made conditions unattractive for bathers; and whether in view of the unique value of this strand to the people of Dublin, he will have inquiries made with a view to preventing a recurrence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dollymount (Dublin) Pollution.
52.
I understand from the local authority that while seaweed washed ashore recently at Dollymount Strand may have made conditions for bathing unattractive, the presence of the seaweed does not indicate pollution or represent a danger to health. While no assurance can be given that similar conditions will not recur in future, I have been informed that the corporation are fully aware of the unique value of this strand and have effected many improvements there in recent years. In particular, the strand is patrolled daily for the removal of litter and flotsam.
Is the Minister aware that the malodorous mysterious material on Dollymount Strand could by no stretch of the imagination be regarded as seaweed? I am reluctant to use a more homely term. If the Minister walked along the strand he would observe that what is there now is most objectionable. His description of it last week as "a visual interference" was the greatest euphemism I have heard in a long time. I repeat my invitation to the Minister to visit Dollymount Strand and to smell the material that is lying there and which he refers to as seaweed.
Would the Minister instruct either the local authority or somebody from his Department to visit Dollymount Strand and see the position?
This has been inspected. This information was not available to me without inspection having taken place. Corporation workers are working on the strand regularly doing cleaning and the health authority have examined the strand. There is no danger to health. I want to keep emphasising that.
I invited the Minister to Dollymount Stand last week and I shall repeat this question on Tuesday and if there is no action taken I shall bring in a bucket of the seaweed and I shall put it in front of the Minister and if it is no danger to his health I shall take his word.
Would the Minister agree to inspect the strand along with the public representatives and see exactly what is there?
He should bring along some of his precious officials.