Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:593 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent of ground water pollution and the regions or areas affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2021/00]
Written Answers. - Water Pollution.
The report Water Quality in Ireland 1995-1997, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency in May 1999, contains the most recent and comprehensive data available in relation to the quality of Irish waters generally, including groundwaters. It includes an assessment of groundwater quality by reference to a selection of parameters including ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, chloride, phosphate, iron, manganese, total and faecal coliforms, pesticides and other toxic contaminants. While the report indicates that groundwaters are generally of high quality it also identifies localised problems due, for example, to bacteriological contamination and elevated nitrate values. Reference should be made to the report, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, as to the location of sampling stations and the monitoring levels recorded for individual parameters in different areas.
Statutory responsibility for water management and protection, including responsibility for monitoring water quality, rests primarily with local authorities. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of databases of information related to the environment for the preparation and implementation of environmental monitoring programmes. The functions of the agency in this regard include supervision of the performance of statutory environmental functions by local authorities. Data on groundwater resources, including the mapping and characterisation of aquifers and quality aspects, are also maintained by the Geological Survey of Ireland.
Comprehensive statutory provisions for the protection of groundwaters are contained in the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977 and 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, and related legislation and additional measures are put in place as required. I made the Protection of Groundwater Regulations, 1999 (S.I. No. 41 of 1999) in February 1999 in relation to discharges to aquifers by local authorities. Guidelines, prepared jointly by the Geological Survey of Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency and my Department, on the preparation of groundwater protection schemes were issued to local authorities in May 1999. I refer to my reply to Question No. 77 on today's Order Paper which outlines the comprehensive range of measures under way under the rural water programme to address bacteriological contamination in waters, including groundwaters, which are used as sources of drinking water. Proposals are also being developed in my Department for additional measures to be taken for the protection of groundwaters against pollution by nitrates, including the designation of nitrate vulnerable zones in accordance with EU Directive 91/676.