asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that greater investment is needed in water pollution control; and if he has any proposals in the matter.
43.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Pollution Control.
42.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has had an up-to-date survey carried out on the needs of the country with regard to sewerage treatment works; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of the present provision.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
I am only too well aware that because of the inadequate capital provision made available by the previous Government over many years for sanitary services works, much greater investment is now necessary—not only to provide for our growing towns and new industries, but also to remedy the inadequacies of many existing sewerage systems and treatment works. The Report on Water Pollution published in March, 1973, estimated the cost of remedial and improvement works to systems causing pollution at £35 million, including £15 million attributable to sewerage treatment works. These works are being tackled as part of the expanded sanitary services programme which is now under way and a further survey would scarcely be warranted at this stage.
Industrial and agricultural wastes also contribute substantially to water pollution and considerable investment in these areas will also be necessary. The public and private sectors will have to bear appropriate shares of the costs of anti-pollution measures but many things need to be done. To advise me on these, I have established the Water Pollution Advisory Council and I hope also for advice from the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Environment. In addition, the new Water Pollution Bill now being drafted will greatly strengthen the legal machinery for the control of discharges to waters and the prevention of pollution.
Has the water pollution advisory council actually been set up?
It has and it is very active.