asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the annoyance, fear and alarm in Northside Dublin arising from the recurrent presence of phenol in the domestic water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Private Notice Question. - Dublin Domestic Water Supply.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous Private Notice Question on 22 November 1983.
I am aware and understand the disquiet among domestic water consumers in North Dublin city and county about the recurrence of phenol contamination of their water supplies. I am again assured by Dublin County Council that the levels of contamination do not constitute a public health hazard. Tests carried out by the council following the most recent complaints from consumers on Saturday 10 December 1983 indicated that the phenol levels were below the limits of detectability on analytical equipment. However, complaints regarding the taste and odour of the water supply indicated phenol contamination and the council initiated the activated carbon treatment process to eliminate these side effects of contamination. I am advised that any water containing phenol in the supply system should be fully used up by now.
My Department have been in contact with officials of Dublin County Council since the phenol contamination incident of last month to discuss the tracing of the source of contamination with a view to prevention of a recurrence and ways of effectively dealing with this problem if and when it arises. My Department will be seeking a full report on all aspects of this important issue when the investigations are complete. I understand that Kildare County Council have made some headway in their investigations and have narrowed down the likely sources of phenol contamination. This, in turn, should allow the council to take action to prevent further contamination of the water supplies.
(Interruptions.)
Silence.
I understand that Kildare County Council are drawing the attention of users of chemicals containing phenol to the penalties for water pollution under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977. On summary conviction for an offence under the 1977 Act, a person is liable to a fine of up to £250 with a fine of up to £100 every day for a continuing offence; and or a prison term of up to six months. A person convicted, on indictment, for water pollution is liable to heavier penalties. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the question of any possible legal proceedings which may be instituted by Kildare County Council arising from the phenol contamination of the River Liffey source of the North Dublin Water Supply System.
Does the Minister accept that we cannot expect the public to be happy with a statement from him that he is satisfied there is only a certain percentage of this chemical in the domestic water supply? He indicated that the authorities had applied themselves to removing the odour and taste but that is poor consolation to the consumers of water. I appreciate that these may be the Minister's famous last words, but could he assure me that he will invite his successor to be more specific than just giving assurances?
The Deputy should drink more milk.
We cannot expect the public to be happy when we are indicating to them that this chemical is in the domestic water supply.
It is regrettable that this incident has occurred for a second time in a very short period.
A third time.
A third time. As I said to the Deputy on a previous occasion, investigations are being carried out. The local authorities have narrowed down the possible users of the chemical involved. The public can be assured that there is no health hazard and that all steps necessary will be taken. As soon as the report comes to hand I will confer with the Deputy and give him all the information.
The Minister might request his colleague, the Minister for Health, to make an authoritative statement assuring the people that, whatever about their discomfort, there is no health hazard involved.
I will have discussions with the Minister for Health, which I have regularly, and we will keep the Deputy informed.