Vol. 249 No. 8
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will outline in detail the steps which his Department has taken to tackle the everincreasing problem of pollution; if he proposes to put before the House in the present session any legislation to tackle this problem; and if he will make a full statement on this matter.
90.
asked the Minister for Local Government how the growing problem of pollution is being tackled at present; and whether any co-operative machinery exists between Ministers concerned to ensure a national approach to this problem.
91.
asked the Minister for Local Government what positive measures have been taken by the Government to combat the pollution of Irish waters during Conservation Year.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 90 and 91 together.
I would refer the Deputies to the Taoiseach's reply to Question No. 14 on 28th October, 1970. The following are details of other measures which have been, and are being taken, by my Department to ensure that the position on air and water pollution is not allowed to deteriorate.
On air pollution, the Control of Atmospheric Pollution Regulations, 1970, which come into force on the 1st January next, will control the heavier smoke emissions and make it an offence to cause a nuisance by emission of smoke, dust, grit, gas or fumes from premises other than private houses. I have made arrangements for the holding of training courses on the techniques of smoke control for local authority personnel who will be engaged in implementing the regulations. In order to assemble data about the level and nature of air pollution, measurements are taken by recording stations in six of the larger urban areas. It is proposed to increase substantially the number and coverage of monitoring stations and when sufficient information has been obtained the necessity to take other measures will be examined. The emission of noxious gases from certain chemical and other processes are controlled by the Alkali, etc., Works Regulation Act, 1906. The works concerned are registered annually by my Department and are subject to inspection. It is intended that any other similar processes which come to light will also be controlled. Regulations made under the Road Traffic Act, 1961, provided that mechanically propelled vehicles must be constructed, maintained and used so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably possible, the emission of smoke, fumes, visible vapour, noxious gases, grit and the like. I would also like to refer to the control which is exercised under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, on the location of industry likely to give rise to pollution and, in particular cases, by inclusion of suitable conditions in planning permission.
An Foras Forbartha have set up a special division to survey the water resources of the country and to carry out a study of the pollution aspect. This study will establish the effects of the situation as a necessary preliminary to making informed decisions on the measures to be taken to deal with the problem. The survey, covering 60 rivers and 500 sampling stations, has commenced in a number of areas and will be completed within about 12 months.
Pending completion of this survey and consideration of the results, I am taking steps to ensure that any localised problems are dealt with, whenever possible, and that the position generally is not permitted to worsen. The quality and quantity of effluent from new industry can be controlled under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, and I am having guidelines in this matter prepared for issue to planning authorities in order to ensure that new sources of serious water pollution by industry do not arise.
In this connection also I would refer to the tremendous amount of work constructed, under construction and in planning by sanitary authorities which will deal effectively with the pollution of rivers and coastal areas.
If it should become evident at any stage that new legislation would be necessary, consideration will be given to the preparation of such measures.
The position in relation to arrangements for clearance of oil pollution is set out in my reply to Question No. 84 today.
Did the Minister state that regular inspection takes place where air pollution is suspected?
Under the Alkali, etc., Works Regulation Act, 1906.
May I bring to the Minister's attention a serious case of air pollution?
If the Deputy knows of such a case he should inform me by letter or come to my Department.
