David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I join other Deputies in congratulating the newly appointed Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, and wishing him all the best for the future. I know he will do a great job.

I would like to mention two environmental issues relating to the town of Youghal in east Cork. One of the beaches in the town was the subject of an unfavourable report yesterday. I understand that until quite recently, the water quality at the beach was found to be excellent. It passed all the tests because it was top class. However, it failed one of the ten tests which were undertaken over a period of time on 17 July 2007. I understand there were exceptional circumstances on the day in question. It seems that heavy rainfall may have resulted in effluent being washed into the sea. The beach failed one of the tests as a result. Perhaps the matter could be reconsidered — the beach could be tested again — in light of the exceptional circumstances which prevailed on the day in question. The report brought out this week relates to 17 July of last year. The beach was closed at the time. When the water quality was tested afterwards, it was found to be okay. We need to examine all these matters because they just do not add up.

It is unfair that such a poor reflection of Youghal is being portrayed. The treatment plant being developed in the town was supposed to have been up and running in 2007, but that has not happened yet. I ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible. Youghal is a beautiful tourist town in a scenic area. We do not want any further delays. The development needs to be pursued vigorously. The Department should ensure there are no delays.

The second environmental issue relates to the landfill site in Youghal, the only facility of that nature in the south Cork area. Those living in the area have complained to me about the noxious smells in the locality. The smell from the landfill site is causing them to wake as early as 6 a.m., even though their windows are closed. That is not good enough. I have been speaking to representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency, who are doing their best, and to the council, but more needs to be done. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, was written to last June about this matter but he said that he has no role to play and that it is up to the EPA. It is not right that people in Youghal cannot go about their business. They are taxpayers, yet they must put up with this foul, nauseating odour. It is not a case of saying "Not in my back yard" because they do not mind having the landfill there provided resources are put in place to run it properly. The EPA, the council and the Minister should do their jobs. I am representing my constituents in this matter which is unfair to them. I am sure the Minister of State would agree with me if he could not sleep at night, even with the windows closed, because he was living near such a landfill site.

I am worried about the onset of summer because warmer weather will create more foul conditions from the sludge at the landfill site. Last summer, flies swarmed into houses from that site, which posed a health risk. The Minister of State should re-examine the matter to see what can be done about it. The situation is having a really negative impact on local people's health and quality of life.

I ask the Minister of State to investigate water quality at the local beach, which was found to be polluted. A treatment plant is urgently required. He should also examine the regime in place for testing water quality. Noxious odours emanating from the waste treatment plant and another facility need to be put right.

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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It will be 2012.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I also wish to add my congratulations to the Minister of State on his new appointment.

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Acting Chairman.