asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the appalling effluent on Sandymount Strand and consequential health risks, he will give an assurance that he will take immediate steps to eliminate this problem.
Written Answers. - Dublin Beach.
258.
Responsibility in pollution matters rest with the local authority for the area concerned, in this case, Dublin Corporation. My Department, however, have made inquiries of the corporation who state that effluent does not discharge in this area and that they are not aware of any effluent on the beach. They suggest that the Deputy may be referring to a particular type of seaweed which was carried in on the tide during the summer and which gave off an offensive smell during humid weather. The corporation had this seaweed removed from the beach last July.
I understand that the corporation have recently received representations from a local residents' association regarding the strand, that they are at present investigating the matters raised and that they will be replying to the association shortly.