asked the Minister for the Environment when it is intended to issue approval for the proposed flow through treatment units for vessels using the River Shannon navigation; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the outstanding decision is holding up the proposals of private contractors to fix such units as standard items on vessels using the river; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Flow Through Treatment Units.
203.
There are no proposals before my Department seeking approval of the use of flow-through treatment units on vessels using the River Shannon, nor is my approval required to the use of such units. The Department were approached in 1980 by Bord Fáilte seeking views on a proposal to construct a suitable prototype unit for trials on the Shannon. In their response, my Department welcomed the proposal and indicated that use of a suitable flow-through system by vessels on the Shannon would not be prohibited by any regulations which may be under section 27 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977.