asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if pollution controls have been implemented on inshore waters other than inland fisheries; and the monitoring arrangements in operation for the control of inshore pollution.
Written Answers. - Inshore Waters Pollution Controls.
131.
The question of pollution controls on inshore waters is primarily a matter for the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Communications. Under section 4 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, industrial effluent discharges to inshore waters must be licensed by the relevant local authority. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the conditions to be attached to such licences and the monitoring arrangements required to ensure that these conditions are being met. In normal circumstances local authorities consult with my Department and the regional fisheries boards in these matters.
The Minister for Communications is empowered under the Oil Pollution of the Sea Acts, 1956 to 1977, to take action to prevent, mitigate or eliminate the effects of oil pollution arising from a maritime casualty.
Technical officers of my Department are authorised officers under the Dumping at Sea Act, 1981, for the purpose of monitoring the effects on the marine environment of dumping at sea.