Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this item on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The landfill site at Foxhole is operated by Cork County Council and, in accordance with the Waste Management Acts, is licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency. This licensing system is intended to ensure that high standards of environmental protection apply to the operation of such facilities. It also precludes the EPA from issuing a licence unless it is satisfied that, among other things, emissions from the activity concerned will not contravene any relevant standard.

The licence granted for this landfill lays down strict conditions regarding the operation of the site, including dealing with matters such as environmental nuisances from dust and odours. The enforcement of the conditions attached to the licence is a matter for the EPA's office of environmental enforcement. Under the Waste Management Acts the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is specifically precluded from exercising any power or control concerning the performance by the EPA of its functions in particular circumstances. However, I understand that in the past 12 months Cork County Council has been taking measures to address the issue of odours at the site, including: the introduction of an odour neutralising system on a trial basis since March 2008; and the provision of gas extraction wells in active cells, thereby allowing the landfill gas to be drawn out and flared with a subsequent reduction in odour problems.

In addition, an intensive study, instigated by the EPA, is under way on the landfill gas management system. Fast-tracking the capping off of particular active cells at the site is a priority for the council with a view to ensuring that this problem is resolved as speedily as possible.

As regards the issue of bathing water quality, the Minister is disappointed that Youghal strand failed to meet the mandatory EU standard. It is, of course, a matter for the local authority to ensure that bathing water quality standards are met and maintained. The report by the EPA on bathing water quality for 2007, which was published this week, indicated that Youghal strand was one of four bathing water areas that failed to meet the minimum standard. I understand that it failed because of the presence of faecal coliforms in excess of the limit laid down in the bathing water regulations. This is particularly disappointing because in 2006 Youghal strand met the higher guide standard.

The EPA's office of environmental enforcement provides advice and guidance to local authorities on environmental protection activities. The office also audits the performance of local authorities and, where necessary, issues legally binding directions. I understand that the office has been following up the issue regarding Youghal strand with Cork County Council. It is worth pointing out that in this case one sample out of ten taken failed to meet the standard. This is sufficient to fail overall. I am aware that Cork County Council has investigated the possible reasons for the failure and has previously carried out remedial works at a nearby pumping station. The EPA points out that the unusually high rainfall last summer would have been a factor in the failure of certain bathing areas to achieve the required standards.

More generally, it is good that the overall situation regarding the quality of our bathing water remains pristine with 97%, or 127 out of 131 bathing areas, complying with the mandatory standards.

As regards the Department's water services investment programme, Youghal, together with nearby Claycastle, will be incorporated into the Youghal sewerage scheme at an estimated cost of €14.42 million. I understand that Cork County Council is preparing to appoint consultants to develop the contract documents for the scheme. The council should be in a position to submit the contract documents to the Department for approval next year, with construction on the scheme due to start in 2010.

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