Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 6

Written Answers. - Pollution Fines.

Kathleen Lynch

Ceist:

122 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment the total number of fines paid in 1994 by enterprises for breaches of the Pollution Acts, 1977 and 1990 and the Air Pollution Act, 1987; the plans, if any, he has to review the operation of these Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17902/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

As indicated in the reply to Question No. 34 of 15 February 1996, information regarding payment of fines imposed under the Water Pollution Acts, 1977 and 1990, and the Air Pollution Act, 1987, is not available in my Department. That reply also gave details of prosecutions taken by local authorities in 1994 under both Acts.

The adequacy of environmental protection legislation is monitored on an ongoing basis and new or amending legislation introduced, as appropriate, in the light of experience and changing circumstances. Additional provisions on the prevention of water pollution have been made in section 66 of the Waste Management Act, 1996. I have no further proposals at present for amendments of primary legislation in relation to water or air pollution controls.