asked the Minister for the Environment if he is concerned about the level of pollution affecting Irish lakes and rivers; if he has any plans to improve anti-pollution measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Pollution of Rivers and Lakes.
84.
The condition of Irish rivers and lakes is kept under review in my Department in the light of the monitoring activities of An Forbartha. An Foras has an extensive on-going programme to assess the quality of rivers. In recent years a total of 6.928 kms of river and stream channel has been the subject of biological surveys. Some 84 per cent of this channel was found to be free of pollution, slight to moderate pollution occurred on some 14 per cent of the length, while 2 per cent was subject to serious pollution. Of some 39 lakes examined since 1974, eutrophic conditions (that is nutrient enrichment) have been found in 25 lakes. The remedial measures appropriate in each case are matters in the first instance for the local authorities concerned, having regard to the degree of eutrophication and the threat, if any, posed to the beneficial uses of the lakes. Remedial action already taken by local authorities on some lakes includes the installation of improved sewage treatment systems for the removal of phosphorus, and improved controls on agricultural activities, particularly slurry generating and disposal operations, through the application of the provisions of the Planning and Water Pollution Acts.
I am satisfied that the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, provides local authorities with an adequate statutory framework for the control of pollution. I intend to assess the performance of local authorities in the implementation of this legislation and will be seeking to have any shortcomings which may be identified corrected.
I am committed to providing the capital resources necessary to improve the sewage disposal schemes of local authorities. Significant progress has already been made in this regard. Improvement works costing £14.4 million have been completed at 12 of the 34 locations identified in 1983 by the Water Pollution Advisory Council as meriting priority attention. Work is in progress on schemes costing £11.4 million at five more of these locations and schemes estimated to cost a further £18.2 million are at various stages of planning to cater for another ten locations.