Vol. 389 No. 7
asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the entensive discharge of raw sewage onto the shore at Galway Harbour, Grattan Road (South Park), Knocknacara and Claddagh Basins in Galway city; and if he will grant approval at an early date for the new sewerage works at Mutton Island.
52.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that sewage to be discharged from the proposed Mutton Island scheme, Galway city will be fully treated prior to discharge.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 52 together.
A preliminary report for a new Galway main drainage scheme which would eliminate the present discharge arrangements was approved in 1986, subject to further investigations and studies of the waters and currents in the bay. The scheme provides for preliminary treatment of the sewage with secondary provision for secondary treatment, if this is found necessary following monitoring of the waters of the bay.
A report prepared by An Foras Fórbartha and the Department of Oceanography, UCG has examined the effects of a sewage discharge located south of Mutton Island in Galway Bay. This is being examined in my Department at present. In addition, because of the importance and size of this project, it will be necessary for an environmental impact study to be carried out by Galway Corporation before a final decision can be given on the proposal. Galway Corporation were advised in December 1988, to make the necessary arrangements for this study. Additional technical detail in relation to the arrangement of the works on Mutton Island and the causeway is also to be submitted to my Department by the corporation.
When all of the necessary documentation has been received and assessed, there will be no avoidable delay on my part in dealing with the proposal.
