asked the Minister for the Environment if he will accept responsibility for clearing decayed seaweed on the foreshore.
Written Answers. - Decayed Seaweed Clearance.
351.
In normal circumstances, sea weed is disposed of through natural decomposition, action of the sea or a combination of both, without any adverse effects on the environment or public health.
On occasions where decaying seaweed has given rise to offensive smell, as occurred this summer on Sandymount Strand in Dublin, the sanitary authority has taken steps necessary to deal with the situation in response to representations from local residents. I see no reason why sanitary authorities generally should not engage in these occasional clean-up operations, where in their view the particular circumstances justify such action. I do not consider, however, that it would be appropriate for my Department to assume responsibility in this matter.