Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Water Pollution.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

436 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to a recent incident that occurred at Ballysadare Bay, County Sligo, which resulted in large quantities of lead and zinc from the old mine tailings ponds being released into the bay; if so, the action he intends to take; his views on whether being a designated SAC means that some sort of clean up operation will have to be put in place and that legal action will have to be taken against the polluters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15282/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

I am not aware of any recent pollution incident at Ballysadare Bay. However, my Department has been advised recently by Sligo County Council that tests carried out on its behalf indicated the presence of elevated levels of metals in sediments in the bay. While it is primarily a matter for Sligo County Council, as the responsible local authority, to consider what action is required in respect of this situation since the elevated metals levels arise from land based activity, officials of my Department will meet with officials of the county council shortly to discuss the position.