Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the continuing problems of the operation of the sewage plant at Ringsend, in particular those relating to the offensive smells which continue to cause great distress in the local community; if he will undertake to ensure that the most recent consultants' report is published; if he will become involved in finding a solution to the odour problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26082/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The wastewater treatment plant in Ringsend was procured by Dublin City Council under a design-build-operate contract. As the Deputy is aware, the management of public water services infrastructure is a local authority function and, consequently, any issues affecting the operation of the Ringsend plant are matters for the Dublin City Council and the contractor the council has appointed to run the plant.

I am nevertheless conscious of and concerned about the odour problems that have arisen in this case and of the adverse consequences for local residents. Earlier this year the council engaged independent consultants to undertake an extensive technical examination at the plant, to assess all processes and possible sources of odours. While the consultants' assessment is still being finalised, I understand that a programme of works proposed by the contractor who operates the plant in response to the key issues already identified by the consultants has begun and will continue into 2006. The question of publishing the consultants' completed report will be a matter for the council in due course.

The council has indicated to my Department that it regards the implementation of a permanent solution to the odour problems from the Ringsend plant as a top priority. While the completion of the plant means that water in Dublin Bay is cleaner now than for many years and that Dollymount strand has been awarded a blue flag, I regard any significant odour impact from a treatment plant on local residents as unacceptable and something that must be resolved with the greatest urgency.