Dáil Éireann - Volume 234 - 01 May, 1968

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Liffey Pollution.

Mr. M. O'Leary Mr. M. O'Leary

28. Mr. M. O'Leary asked the Minister for Local Government when it is expected that filter beds and gates in sewage disposal will cut down the rate of pollution in the Liffey and its tributaries and thus halt the destruction of marine life and especially salmon.

Mr. Boland Mr. Boland

641

Mr. Boland: I am not aware that there is any significant destruction of salmon or other marine life in the Liffey or its tributaries. It is not contemplated that filter beds will be provided as part of any of the major [641] drainage works to which I referred in my reply to the Deputy's question of the 25th ultimo.

Mr. M. O'Leary Mr. M. O'Leary

Mr. M. O'Leary: There seems to be a mystery here. Last week the Minister suggested that in fact filter beds and gates would be provided in order to safeguard fishing in this area. Today he says nothing is planned in regard to the sanctioning of filter beds. Is the Minister aware that angling associations have already drawn attention to the danger of pollution in the Liffey? Could he indicate what steps will be taken to arrest this rather dangerous development?

Mr. Boland Mr. Boland

Mr. Boland: I did not suggest at any stage that there was any intention of providing filter beds. What I said was that major drainage schemes now being prepared would reduce the amount of pollution of the Liffey.

Mr. M. O'Leary Mr. M. O'Leary

Mr. M. O'Leary: When will they take place?

Mr. Boland Mr. Boland

Mr. Boland: As soon as they are designed.

Dáil Éireann 234 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. River Liffey Pollution.

Questions

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