Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
322. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to an issue with an estate in County Tipperary in which a leaking sewage system is causing a serious threat to health and is at risk of flowing into a river; if the EPA will investigate the issue given that it has been reported to it on multiple occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6858/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra323. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a case in which Tipperary County Council has been given permission to perform urgent works on a sewerage system in an estate (details supplied) in County Tipperary by the receiver but has refused to do so, creating a situation in which residents are dealing with continuous floods of sewage that also spill onto the public road; and if there are supports available for local authorities to do the work in the interest of public health in circumstances in which a receiver refuses to do necessary maintenance work. [6859/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.
Primary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. The Environmental Protection Agency, through its Office of Environmental Enforcement, exercises general supervision in relation to the performance of these functions by local authorities.
In relation to the issue of potential pollution from the water treatment system, while the incident in question was brought to my Department's attention, I have no direct role in the investigation of specific water pollution issues. However, I understand that a Notice, pursuant to Section 12 of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, requiring measures to be taken to prevent water pollution has recently issued to the responsible persons and that Tipperary County Council are currently awaiting a response. In addition, I understand that the local authority have committed to further engage with the stakeholders involved on receipt of further information.
