asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied with existing levels of atmospheric and marine pollution in the Dublin area; if he will indicate the measures being taken to reduce levels of pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Atmospheric and Marine Pollution.
10.
A statement of the kind requested by the Deputy would have to cover a wide range of issues and would, of necessity, have to be a very lengthy one if it were to deal comprehensively with the existing situation and with policy and proposals for future action in relation to atmospheric and marine pollution in the Dublin area. Such a statement could not appropriately be made at Question Time. I have, however, dealt with various aspects of the subject in replies to Dáil questions and in other statements in recent months. I have now placed in the Library copies of a recent lengthy address on the subject of pollution of sea and air which I delivered at a public meeting in Dublin on 22 April last. I trust that this will provide the information requested by the Deputy.
On 18 June, I made regulations entitled Control of Atmospheric Pollution (Licensing) Regulations, 1985, which deal with air pollution caused by the extraction or recovery of certain metals from scrap metal, waste material and waste cable and which establish a licensing system, to be operated by sanitary authorities, for any trade, works or process in which burning or the application of heat is used to extract or recover such metals. I have already informed the House that comprehensive new air pollution legislation, which will take account of national and international requirements, is at an advanced stage of preparation and I hope to be in a position to introduce the Bill in the autumn.