Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government states: "We want Ireland's image as the green island to inform all areas of policy so that the global image of our country is transformed and we are recognised as one of the cleanest and safest environments in the world." That commitment is a far cry from reports we have all read about what has happened in the context of the reconstruction of Dún Laoghaire baths, where up to 70 kg of toothpick sized plastic fibres have been recovered from the sea. It is extraordinary that such a high volume of plastic would find its way into marine life in that area. I understand 70 individuals and a specialist environmental damage team have been appointed to clean up the plastic in the sea as a result of the release of these plastic fibres during the reconstruction of Dún Laoghaire baths. This is an extraordinary failing which will damage fish and other marine life. I ask that the Minister provide the House with the most up-to-date information on the impact of this volume of plastic finding its way into the sea, the efforts being made by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the support the council is getting from the Department to remedy this issue in so far as it can.

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