asked the Minister for Transport the number of people who have written to his Department objecting to the proposed piping of raw sewage from Midleton, County Cork, into the estuary at East Ferry and the action he proposes to take to ensure that this does not take place.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Sewage Disposal Plan.
43.
I have under examination in my Department an application under the Foreshore Act, 1933 for a licence to enable Cork County Council to lay a sewage outfall pipe at Rathcoursey Point. It is intended that the sewage will be discharged at mid-channel through a diffuser pipe. Following publication of the proposal objections were received from 120 individuals and 32 bodies. I will consider these objections fully in consultation with the county council before taking a decision on the application for a licence.
Can the Minister indicate his view regarding the discharge of raw sewage into what is a bathing area both for tourists and for local people?
I am aware that this is a very pleasant area and that there are developments there in relation to shellfish. I have asked the Department of Fisheries and Forestry for a report as to what their views would be in regard to the development of a shellfish industry in the area. The Deputy will be aware that the normal procedure in dealing with objections is to wait until all objections have been compiled. It is only after opportunity has been given for questions and answers on both sides that a decision is reached. The original application in this case by Cork County Council went through without their being any objection.
I appreciate that but in the light of the knowledge now available would the Minister not accept that in general treatment plants should be the order of the day when dealing with the discharge of raw sewage into a harbour?
My wish is that we will move towards a position in which there will be no pollution but the Deputy may rest assured that I will consider the case in question very closely in that context.