Vol. 526 No. 5
15 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in granting a foreshore licence to Waterford County Council to enable it proceed with the much needed sewerage scheme for Cheekpoint, County Waterford; and if he will ensure that the licence is issued without further delay. [26257/00]
The Deputy will no doubt recall the response I gave to his earlier question on 28 June last. I then advised that in February 2000 my Department furnished Waterford County Council with a working document which detailed the likely terms and conditions of a foreshore licence, which it was prepared to recommend to me for approval. In March the council sought clarification on a number of the proposed conditions, including necessary conditions for monitoring of effluent standards and provision of additional treatment of effluent if required.
Subsequently, and while the issues raised by the council were being considered, my Department received representations from a major local shellfish co-operative concerning the possible contamination of their mussel beds that lie just outside Cheekpoint. Waterford County Council was immediately requested to comment on the concerns of the local fishermen and did so in October this year.
My Department has considered the council's reply and has accepted the view of its specialist advisers that the Cheekpoint sewerage scheme should not be allowed to adversely impact upon the water quality of the adjoining mussel beds and that, in consequence, the council must make provision for retro-fitting of tertiary treatment should post construction monitoring of effluent standards so require. The council was advised, accordingly, on 16 November and my Department is currently awaiting the council's acceptance of the principle of retro-fitting of tertiary treatment. It is fair to say that, at present, the Deputy has priorities other than this question.
