Brendan Ryan (Labour)

Of the elements of the motion, I will deal with public beaches. I am encouraged that the Labour Party is coming under attack tonight because it indicates somebody is concerned about us. I am always encouraged by this.

Compliance with EU bathing water standards is based on the parameters specified in EU directive 76.160/EEC . The results of tests on samples are analysed or assessed to ensure compliance with two sets of EU standards specified in the directive, namely, minimum quality standards, or EU mandatory value, and the more stringent quality targets, or EU guide values. During the bathing season water quality in each bathing area must comply with minimum EU mandatory values. In addition, in all bathing areas one should endeavour to achieve the stricter EU guide values.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently reported that in 2009 the quality of Ireland's bathing waters remained "high". That is good news, but not great news. There are 131 designated bathing areas, water quality in 122 of which complies with the EU mandatory standards. Its status is classed as being of sufficient quality. In addition, water quality in 82% of bathing areas - 108 of the 131 areas designated - complied with the stricter EU guide standards and thus achieved the status of good water quality. Nine of the 131 bathing areas - 7% of the total - failed to comply with the minimum mandatory standards and were classified as being of poor water quality status. In combination, 18% of our bathing areas are not categorised as being of a good standard. The mandatory or "sufficient" standard still allows between 500 and 10,000 coliforms per 100 millilitres of sample. It also allows between 100 and 2,000 faecal coliforms per 100 millilitres.

Whether we ought to rest on our laurels and describe such a performance as being good is open to debate. Anything less than good is not acceptable. Unfortunately, three of the nine bathing areas that failed to comply with minimum mandatory standards are in my own local authority area of Fingal. There is no doubt that the over-development which took place in north Fingal in the past 15 years, without proper sewerage infrastructure, is a major contributing factor. The local authority is now playing catch-up. This must never be allowed to happen again anywhere in the country and it is very disappointing for the people of Fingal and the greater Dublin area. Three of its most popular bathing areas failed minimum EU quality standards and received a "poor" water quality status for last year.

This is a matter of grave concern for those who depend on the attraction of our seaside resorts and coastline. During the years the residents' associations, business and community groups have, by means of their voluntary work, built up the reputation of their towns and of their beaches. This report will be most disappointing to these activists.

The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, together with the local authorities, must take responsibility for non-compliance with the EU standards. In response to this report, Fingal County Council stated that the beaches failed because of heavy rainfall, causing overflow of pumping stations, overflow from septic tanks and from on-site treatment plants. This response is totally unacceptable. Is the quality of our bathing areas forever going to depend on our weather? Rainfall can exacerbate a problem, but only when there is an underlying issue there in the first place. It is important that both the council and the Department are up front with people.

As and from last year, Fingal County Council is subject to a discharge licence for the Balbriggan and Skerries treatment plant and has legal obligations under that licence. The licence also covers the distribution network. I have been in contact with the EPA and have been informed that on foot of these 2009 results, Fingal County Council will be directed to resolve the problems by carrying out remedial works and upgrading the network by the end of the year to resolve the underlying problems. I hope this welcome enforcement action by the EPA will have the desired result. However, this will require that funding be made available to the local authority by the Minister to have the necessary upgrade carried out. I hope he will respond positively.

While disappointed that some of our beaches have failed to meet the EU standards, progress has been reported with other beaches in Fingal, and this is to be welcomed. The water quality at Malahide and Loughshinny beaches went from "poor" to "sufficient", while that at Portrane went from "poor" to "good", which is an upward jump of two grades. The EPA report, which classifies bathing water quality as being either "poor", "sufficient" or "good" is a useful indicator. However, the blue flag award for beaches goes beyond water quality and includes environmental education and beach management. This is much more important. Water quality must meet the "good" standard for two consecutive years before a local authority can apply for the flag for any particular beach. For example, the beach at Portrane met the water quality standard in 2009, but not in 2008; therefore, Fingal County Council could not apply for the blue flag status for this year, but if good results continue, it will regain the status next year.

The blue flag is a European brand and as such is a valuable asset when trying to attract tourists from the European market.

A blue flag status for all our beaches must be our objective, and the EPA water quality standards are early indicators of progress, but not an end in themselves. There should be a national strategy for the achievement of blue flags. Local authorities should be directed by the Department to produce plans for achievement of certain milestones along the way. The number of blue flags in Ireland this year was reduced by one, with five regaining the status, but unfortunately six losing it. Ireland now has 76 blue flag bathing areas. This represent 58% of our total designated bathing areas, so we still have a good bit to go.

Our beaches are considered to be one of the most vital recreational facilities available to residents and visitors alike. Action must be taken to ensure this continues to be the case, and that our beaches and bathing areas remain the vital natural amenity that all of our people can enjoy. Excuses are no longer acceptable.