David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir Ó Céidigh as ucht an t-ábhar seo a ardú inniu. I thank Senator Ó Céidigh for raising this issue today and giving me an opportunity to discuss the quality of our bathing water, specifically in Galway Bay. The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, sends his apologies for not being here.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports on bathing water quality every year. In general, Ireland has high standards in this regard. Some 94% of our bathing waters meet the required standard and almost 86% are either good or excellent. High quality bathing waters are a fundamental natural amenity and I acknowledge the work of the many people who contribute to keep them at such a high standard. We must continue this good work to protect the water quality at our beaches. We must take action, where necessary, to put an end to any causes of pollution and ensure that people who swim have the information they need on water quality in their local area.

The bathing water regulations have resulted in more water quality testing and public information than was previously the case. The Minister has designated 145 bathing waters. Of these, five have been evaluated as poor, including three sites in Dublin Bay, one in Clifden, County Galway, and one on Lough Ennell in County Westmeath. The Minister remains concerned by ongoing issues at these five locations. While he recognises that the root causes may often be complex, the issues must be addressed as a matter of priority.

Focusing on County Galway and the beach at Clifden, Galway County Council has found there are a number of sources contributing to the water quality issues there, namely, the sewer network, septic tanks and storm water overflows from the wastewater treatment plant. Until recently, Clifden was discharging raw sewage. Irish Water has built a new sewage treatment plant at Clifden and is continuing with further works on the sewer network. This will improve water quality. Galway County Council is continuing to work to inspect and reduce the impact from householders' septic tank discharges.

In the Galway Bay area, specifically within the urban environs, the city council has issued prior warning notices ahead of heavy rainfall and posted temporary bathing prohibition notices. These notices are precautionary measures and are designed to protect people. Water quality is tested regularly at Galway Bay beaches and, in the main, is found to be excellent.

The local authorities in Galway are working closely with all stakeholders, including Irish Water, to ensure necessary improvements are delivered. In that context, it should be noted that Irish Water is preparing a drainage area plan for Galway city, which will help determine what upgrades are necessary to the sewer network. The Minister has asked the Department to work with the Environmental Protection Agency and the local authorities to examine ways of enhancing further the communication to bathers regarding potential water quality issues, including effective early warning systems in the event of weather alerts.

I have taken note of what the Senator has said with respect to discharges by cruise ships. I do not have any information to hand on that matter but I will ask the Minister to make inquiries and answer the queries the Senator has raised in that regard. I agree with his remarks on the importance of bays and waterways for sport and recreation purposes. As Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality with responsibility for youth justice, I encourage more people to use the waterways, beaches and sea for sailing, swimming and all other such recreation purposes.