Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
2253. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the release of untreated sewage into the River Boyne which is a special area of conservation at the beginning of June 2017 by Irish Water. [28843/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary responsibility for ensuring the prevention of pollution rests with the local authorities, which are in turn supervised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for this purpose. The Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990 carry a general prohibition on the entry of any polluting matter to waters. Any persons causing or permitting polluting matter to enter waters is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €15,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or both.
The EPA is the statutory body for investigating complaints of pollution and for the enforcement, both directly and through oversight of local authorities, of environmental legislation in Ireland. Details of all prosecutions taken by the EPA for pollution incidents and details of its enforcement activities are published on the EPA's website (http://www.epa.ie/enforcement/).
While the incident in question was brought to my Department's attention, I have no direct role in the monitoring or supervision of water services. However, I understand that both Meath County Council and Irish Water have looked into this incident and a report has been sent to the EPA.
