Vol. 459 No. 6
30 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment the total number of fines paid by enterprises in respect of discharge licence breaches in 1994; the average fine paid in 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18592/95]
Local authorities obtained two convictions in 1994 under the effluent discharge licensing provisions of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977 and 1990. My Department does not have details of the fines imposed in these cases, nor of the extent to which successful prosecutions may also have been obtained by regional fisheries boards or any persons affected by effluent discharges.
As well as recourse to prosecutions, where appropriate, local authorities also have a range of other means and statutory powers available to them to prevent or deal with pollution. In 1994, authorities conducted 1047 investigations in respect of trade and sewage effluent discharges to water and to sewers and issued 915 advice or warning notices. Local authorities also issued 93 statutory notices requiring specified measures to be taken to prevent or control water pollution in respect of industrial operations.
Detailed statistical information on the activities of local authorities in 1994 under the Water Pollution Acts is contained in Environment Bulletin No. 28 a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
