andMr. Moore asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange to have a full investigation carried out to ascertain the reasons why a large number of fish have died recently in the River Dodder in the Tallaght/Bohernabreena area, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dodder Fish Deaths.
1.
It is a matter for local authorities to investigate instances of pollution of this nature and I have requested them to take all possible steps to prevent and abate water pollution.
I am glad to say that Dublin County Council carried out a prompt examination into the circumstances of the recent pollution of the Dodder and a detailed report on the subject was considered at a meeting of the council on the 10th instant.
The Deputy will appreciate that specific fishery aspects are a matter for the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
I appreciate that the action must be taken by the local authority. This pollution occurs every year. Would the Minister consider issuing a statement or advice to local authorities about this matter so that they might prevent pollution?
As the Deputy is aware, I have already asked the local authorities on a number of occasions to be vigilant on this matter. I have set up a new water pollution board at national level.
Did the Minister say the subject matter of this question was the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries?
I said the specific fishery aspects were a matter for that Minister.
Is the Minister aware that when the survey regarding pollution was carried out by Dublin County Council it was found that some firms were involved? It is important that a statement be made on this matter. One of the firms is dumping on an illegal dump and some steps should be taken by the Minister to eliminate this in the interests of all.
I am prepared to take all the steps I can take, but I am not going to assume a responsibility that belongs to the local authority. The Dublin County Council have a responsibility and if they are aware of the cause of the pollution and the firms who may be involved it is up to them to take the necessary action. It would be unreasonable to assume that the Department of Local Government should take action for which they have no authority. It is a matter for the local authority.
Is the Minister aware that the killing of fish on the night of 14th-15th February was what could be described as a "flash kill"? From the information available to the local authority at the moment, it appears it was caused by indiscriminate and unauthorised dumping in the hill area of Bohernabreena. The present legislation is not sufficiently strong to give the local authorities power to deal with such matters. Will the Minister tell the House when we are likely to have legislation that will enable local authorities to cope with this problem?
That is a separate matter and I cannot allow an enlargement of the question on those lines.
I am aware that it is alleged that after carrying out an investigation it was found the damage was caused by an illegally operated private dump. As I have told the House, I have set up a water pollution board and I propose to introduce legislation to give more authority regarding the control of pollution in waters throughout the country. I am afraid it will be close to the end of the year before it will be possible to have that legislation. It has been in the course of preparation for some time but it is a fairly tedious job and, in view of the volume of legislation before the House, it may not be easy to get it in line. However, I hope we will have it before the end of the year. I am sure all sides of the House will agree with it. I do not know when the new Planning Bill will be passed, but when that happens it will strengthen the hands of local authorities. However, local authorities have a good deal of power at the moment if they want to operate it but some of them do not appear anxious to take the strict action that is necessary to deal with these matters. Until they do, in the existing situation there will be a recurrence of this kind of pollution.
Would the Minister care in the public interest to place on record the type of sanction available to the county council?
I would have to quote most of the 1963 planning legislation.
Perhaps the Minister would briefly tell the House what the country council may do so that the public would know the position.
Very briefly, the local authority can prosecute the owner of the tiphead. We have been told the pollution is caused by a privately owned tiphead and if the county council are aware of that they should take the necessary action.
Some years ago a special Act was passed regarding the closing of a quarry in the Walkinstown area. In the event of the illegal dumping continuing, would it be possible to introduce a similar measure pending the introduction of legislation so that the local authority might be helped in this matter? It appears very little is being done.
I would remind the Deputy that this is Question Time. He may ask a question but he should not make a statement.
The Dublin County Council can close the illegal dump and, therefore, there is no necessity for special legislation in the matter.
I am calling Question No. 2.
Will the Minister state——
I have called the next question.