COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 13, 2017

QUESTION NO.14

QUESTION: Councillor R. McMahon

To ask the Chief Executive to give a report Water pollution incidents dealt with over the last 12 months

- where are the main hot spots

- what are the causes

- has there been any prosecutions

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council’s Water Pollution section responded to 59 water pollution complaints and queries in the period October 2016 to September 2017. The nature of these complaints and queries varied from observed poor water quality in rivers by members of the public, to reports of specific discharges to rivers, or issues and queries relating to storm water drainage from an industrial or housing development.

Water pollution is primarily observed, reported and queried in urban areas which, due to population density, is to be expected. Water quality issues in rural areas are generally managed through planned farm and septic tank inspection which are reported separate to water pollution complaints.

In most water pollution incidents the cause is accidental or unknown to the polluter, such as a home heating oil tank leak. For some offences the Council may employ enforcement notices to evoke a statutory bind on the polluter specifying tasks and timelines to be achieved and these are effective in resolving water pollution issues without the need for prosecution.