Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister identified the weaknesses of the biosphere structure in that she said there is no protective legislation in place. There is almost no funding. She said on the previous occasion I questioned her about this that something like €30,000 was available to protect the Dublin Bay biosphere. We have only two biospheres, in Kerry and Dublin, but there is a tiny amount of money. As the Minister admitted, her Department is not an anchor organisation for the management of the biosphere, which is extraordinary.

Dublin Bay biosphere was never more threatened. There have been overspills from the Ringsend plant time and again. Wastewater has been released into the biosphere. There have been cases of raw sewage being released into the biosphere up and down the coast. In a few days, we expect a decision from An Bord Pleanála on a second major wastewater treatment plant in the Dublin region. Incredibly, Irish Water proposes that the wastewater should go out through Baldoyle Bay, affecting Velvet Strand in Portmarnock. There is intense opposition to this in my constituency. Surely the Department has to get more involved. It is not acceptable to have funding of only €30,000 and no legislation.

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