asked the Minister for the Environment the position in relation to the siting of a Regional Pollution Control Department in Castlebar, County Mayo; the precise functions of the centre; the staff to be assigned to it; and when it is expected that the centre will become operative.
Written Answers. - Mayo Pollution Control Department.
415.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the water quality laboratory which is being provided in Castlebar by An Foras Forbartha at the request of Mayo and Galway County Councils. The primary function of the laboratory, which is planned to come into operation by September next, will be to provide services relating to water and effluent sampling and analysis required by the local authorities for the purpose of performance of their water pollution control functions. It is possible that the laboratory may also provide such services for other neighbouring local authorities. The precise work programme to be undertaken by the laboratory will be decided by the local authorities concerned. I understand that a final decision has not yet been made on the staffing of the laboratory.