asked the Minister for Local Government if he has noted the contents of the Inland Fisheries Trust Report which states that evidence of pollution was found in 63 stretches of water, spread over 17 counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Pollution.
11.
I am aware of this report which, however, does not identify all the waters in which evidence of pollution was found nor does it indicate the extent of pollution in these waters. The position with regard to the water quality of rivers and lakes, as shown by comprehensive surveys by An Foras Forbartha, is that while the overall situation is reasonably satisfactory, localised pollution, serious in places, is occurring.
I should add that the Local Government (Water Pollution) Bill, 1976, which was introduced in Seanad Éireann on 25th February last, is intended to provide the improved statutory framework which is necessary to ensure that the quality of our water resources is maintained to a standard consistent with their various beneficial uses.
Is the Minister aware that there is great pollution in some of the lakes? In a lake in County Monaghan there was a massive killing of fish. Would the Minister not accept that in areas such as that people are very concerned? There are coarse fishing waters in this area which are an attraction to tourists. In view of what it states in this report it could well be too late when remedial action is taken.
Would the Deputy tell me what lake he is referring to?
It is Lough na Glack at Carrickmacross. In that report it states——
Brief questions, please. No statements, please.
I can send the Minister a copy of this report which states that there was "a massive kill" of of coarse fish in this lake. Is the Minister aware that many fish of specimen size, which are extremely popular with British and Continental anglers, have been killed as a result of this pollution?
I know what the Deputy is talking about now. It is the annual report of the Inland Fisheries Trust for 1975-1976. If the Deputy reads on further he will see that the trust anxiously await the new Anti-Pollution Bill which at the time of writing the report was to be introduced in the Seanad. It has been introduced in the Seanad. While it will not save the fish that were killed in this lake it will at least provide the framework to ensure that those who are polluting are punished. Deputy Leonard is as well aware as I am that we have people polluting through carelessness and people polluting because they find it more convenient to dump their refuse in the lakes rather than elsewhere. This is the object of the Bill. I am sorry there is no shortcut to it.
Would the Minister agree that by the time it is implemented more serious damage will be done to many other lakes?
Deputy Leonard is forgetting one thing. He is a member of Monaghan County Council and the onus is at present on the local authorities to take the necessary action against those who are polluting. I suggest that perhaps he might start a little nearer home and get something done immediately.
Question No. 12.
When does the Minister expect to have this legislation on the Statute Book?
It was introduced in the Seanad on 25th February. I understand it will be taken some time this month. I do not think it is very contentious. There may be some alterations which will have to be made in it but I imagine it should be through the two Houses before the Summer Recess if it is treated any way reasonably.
In view of the urgency of the matter would the Minister see that this Bill is dealt with as soon as possible? I am sure he will recall that I withdrew amendments which would have given him some temporary powers in this area on the understanding that this legislation would be introduced very urgently.
It was introduced urgently and it will be just a short head behind the Planning Bill.
Is the Minister aware that many local authorities are considered to be the greatest pollutors? Can he assure the House that the measures to be taken under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Bill will be sufficient to prevent the local authorities from becoming pollutors?
I think we should await the introduction of the Bill.
I hate to bring a political matter into this.
(Interruptions.)
The Deputies know it is not my form to do that. I am quite sure they are aware that the reason local authorities are polluting rivers and lakes is because up to three years ago very little was done to provide them with the necessary money to have sewerage services installed. We are doing something about it now, but it is very slow.