Vol. 540 No. 1
266 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason his Department was not contacted by a company (details supplied) in relation to the Corrib Gas project regarding their proposed development at Baillinaboy in north Mayo to include a terminal, power station and refinery; and the effects this development will have on the public health of the residents of the area. [19830/01]
The granting of planning permission for the development referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the local planning authority. The Environmental Protection Agency also has a function in relation to licensing and regulating large industrial and other processes with significant pollution potential. The integrated pollution control licensing system operated by the EPA focuses on the elimination or reduction of waste and emissions of all kinds at source.
Public health concerns are taken into account in considering the granting of a pollution control licence. Potential adverse effects on human health from environmental pollution usually relate to air and water. Air and water quality are monitored by local authorities. The EPA also assesses the environmental performance of an industrial activity licensed by them and can take action if the company concerned is not in compliance with the conditions specified in its licence.
