asked the Minister for Health if an investigation has been undertaken to determine the extent of pollution of Dublin Bay coastal resorts by sewage; if so, the nature of the investigation; and if he is satisfied that raw sewage is not being discharged into the sea and that the degree of pollution is such as not to constitute a health hazard to swimmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Bay Pollution.
57.
Pollution generally, including the discharging of sewage into the sea, is a matter which comes within the functions of the Minister for Local Government. As Minister for Health I am concerned with possible health hazards arising therefrom.
Accordingly, in relation to the Dublin coastal resorts, arrangements obtain under which regular tests are made on samples of sea-water taken at intervals from March to October at various points in Dublin Bay. These tests give the E Coli count of the sea-water and the Dublin Chief Medical Officer reports to my Department on the general position.
I am advised that the overall analysis of these tests indicates that the level of pollution is not such as to give cause for concern from the point of view of being a health hazard to swimmers.
Apart from the foregoing tests I understand that a survey of the river Liffey and Dublin Bay is in progress which includes assessment of the present position regarding the pollution problem of the area including pollution by sewage.
Would it be possible for the Parliamentary Secretary to give a list of the various coastal resorts showing the level of the E Coli count in each area?
When I have that information I shall forward it to the Deputy.