asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that a company (details supplied) in County Dublin are discharging waste into the Camac River with the consequent impact on the quality of the river; if he will indicate what action he, or the local authority, propose to take under present legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin River Pollution.
29.
The implementation of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 in relation to the discharge of trade effluent to waters in its functional area is a matter for the local authority. I understand that public notice of the grant of a licence under section 4 of the Act to the company in question was recently given by Dublin County Council. I also understand that the grant of this licence is the subject of an appeal to An Bórd Pleanála by a third party and that there is also an appeal to the board by the company against the conditions of the licence.
Can the Minister indicate what action, if any, he proposes taking in this matter in the interim on foot of his statutory responsibility under the Water Pollution Act since the discharge is continuing?
In a circular to local authorities on 24 April last we set out guidelines as to the criteria which might be taken into account in the licensing of existing discharges. However, emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility and for an approach based on a step-by-step improvement towards acceptable effluent standards as was suggested for long-established industries. The reason for this flexibility was the tremendous costs that might be involved for long-established industries in putting matters in order. The circular was issued to all local authorities.
My question relates specifically to one factory and to one river. At the time of putting down the question my understanding was that the company in question were discharging pollutants into the Camac River. Have the Department been in contact directly either with the factory or with the local authority and what action, if any, is being taken in the interim before a decision on the appeal is reached?
The appeal is to An Bórd Pleanála. The Deputy will appreciate that the responsibility for implementing the regulations rests with the local authority but if the situation is still very serious I would be prepared to check with the local authority on the matter. The latest information is as I have given it in my reply.
This Government were not the people who brought in the legislation in question, but that does not absolve them from their responsibility in implementing it.
We must move on to the next question.
Is it not correct to say that the Minister has advocated a drop-by-drop rather than a step-by-step approach?
I suggested flexibility.
It is very flexible.
We are getting into argument. Deputy Quinn should finish his supplementary.
In view of the pollution that is occurring in the river in question which is in a highly urbanised area, flowing ultimately through the city of Dublin, would the Minister not attempt in the interim period to bring about some reduction in the level of pollution, that is, if the Government take seriously the Act concerned?
Of course we take the legislation seriously. I was the person responsible for implementing it.
We drew up the legislation.
The implementation of the legislation is effected by way of the local authorities in whom we must have confidence in these matters. However, if the situation in question is still very serious and if there is no real attempt being made to deal with it, I shall take it up personally in order to ascertain what is the real position.
Questions Nos. 30 to 35, inclusive, are for written reply.